Colorado DSA Candidate Dismisses Communist Criticism as Republican Campaign Tactic

Melat Kiros, the Democratic Socialist nominee for Colorado’s 1st Congressional District, dismissed Republican criticism about communist membership within the Democratic Socialists of America as a political distraction on Friday. Speaking on PBS’s “Firing Line” with host Margaret Hoover, the 29-year-old candidate characterized the attacks as part of a broader GOP strategy to weaken the DSA’s expanding influence before the midterm elections.

When confronted with evidence that roughly half the DSA’s 25-member National Political Committee identifies as communist, Kiros pointed to ideological diversity within the Democratic Party itself. She argued that capitalists and socialists coexist within the party tent and ultimately deferred judgment to voters, stating that Republican accusations amount to “noise” until an avowed communist actually wins office.

Kiros directly denied being a communist when Hoover invoked President Donald Trump’s characterization of the movement as “hardcore, godless communists.” The candidate attributed Republican attacks to concern that the DSA’s economic populism message was gaining traction with voters, claiming the oligarchy backing the Republican Party recognized the threat.

Kiros became the 28th DSA-endorsed candidate to win a Democratic primary this cycle after defeating 15-term Rep. Diana DeGette. These nominees could potentially join 18 incumbent progressives to form a 43-member House voting bloc when Congress convenes in January.

The DSA’s newly launched “Workers Deserve More” platform includes abolishing the Senate, replacing the presidency and Supreme Court with Congress-selected bodies, granting amnesty to undocumented immigrants and defunding the Department of War. Kiros clarified that members need not embrace every platform position, noting disagreement exists within the organization.

Hoover confirmed Kiros supports Medicare for all and universal childcare while rejecting abolishing the Senate, NATO withdrawal and police defunding. The candidate also advocated for a 32-hour workweek and argued socialism better embodies Declaration of Independence values than capitalism.

Kiros has faced additional scrutiny over her Israel positions, with Denver Jewish leaders expressing safety concerns about her rhetoric. She initially resisted calling a 2025 Boulder firebombing antisemitic and has accused Israel of genocide and apartheid.

A July Fox News poll found 56% of registered voters view the DSA unfavorably versus 31% favorably. Among Democrats specifically, 59% held favorable views while 26% viewed the organization negatively.