Melat Kiros, a political newcomer and democratic socialist, has secured the Democratic primary victory for the U.S. House in Denver’s district, according to the Associated Press. This places her on track to become the first Gen Z woman elected to Congress.
Kiros, a 29-year-old Ph.D. student and lawyer, defeated long-term incumbent Democrat Diana DeGette, who has served since 1997. This win in the firmly Democratic district suggests Kiros will likely move to Washington, D.C., next year. DeGette, aged 68, had held her position since Kiros was born.
This upset is part of a larger movement within the Democratic Party, where calls are growing for longstanding incumbents to step aside in favor of younger, more progressive candidates. Kiros, an Ethiopian immigrant, is part of this shift. She supports economic populist policies such as universal healthcare and childcare, and advocates for contentious issues including the abolition of Immigration and Customs Enforcement and ending U.S. military aid to Israel.
Kiros has eschewed funds from corporate PACs and pro-Israel lobbying groups. She has criticized DeGette for her acceptance of campaign donations from defense contractors, energy, and pharmaceutical companies. In contrast, DeGette emphasized her progressive achievements, particularly in healthcare and climate policy.
Kiros’ victory underscores another milestone for the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), following recent successes in New York City where DSA-backed candidates secured victories. These included Darializa Avila Chevalier, who ousted five-term incumbent Adriano Espaillat, and Claire Valdez, who won the race to replace retiring Rep. Nydia Velázquez.
In May, DSA also celebrated Chris Rabb’s win in Pennsylvania’s 3rd Congressional district primary. Should Kiros win in November, she will join a small yet potentially growing group of democratic socialists in Congress, currently represented by Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Rashida Tlaib.
Furthermore, Kiros would become the second Gen Zer in the House, alongside Florida Democrat Maxwell Frost, elected in 2022. In a February interview, Kiros stated that her campaign’s core policies resonate strongly with younger voters. She emphasized the urgency of leadership that advocates for impactful policies, saying, “Young people understand that we are in the fight of our lives. We need to have leaders that are going to be fighting for the kind of bold policies that actually get something done, and they’re refusing to settle or wait for our turn or ask for permission.”