Colorado Democratic congressional nominee Melat Kiros has dismissed Republican concerns regarding communists within the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), characterizing the criticism as political "noise" intended to impede the socialist movement's increasing influence.
In an interview on PBS's "Firing Line," Kiros addressed questions about DSA members, including some national leaders, who identify as communists. She drew a parallel to members of the Democratic Party who identify as capitalists, emphasizing the broad spectrum of views within the party. "It's a big tent, right?" Kiros stated, adding that ultimately, "it's up to the voters."
Kiros asserted that until a self-proclaimed communist candidate wins an election, such criticisms from the Republican Party should be viewed as insubstantial. When directly asked if she was a communist, Kiros responded, "No, I'm not a communist."
She suggested that Republican attacks stem from a concern that the DSA's economic platform is resonating with voters. "Because I think the Republican Party, and frankly, the oligarchy that largely stands behind the Republican Party can see that our message of, in its most basic form, economic populism, is actually resonating with voters," Kiros said.
Kiros, 29, recently defeated 15-term incumbent Rep. Diana DeGette in the Democratic primary for Colorado's heavily Democratic first Congressional District. She is among a growing number of candidates endorsed by far-left groups who have won Democratic primaries this cycle. According to the notes, 28 such candidates have won primaries, potentially forming a bloc of 43 members in the House with 18 incumbent progressives.
The DSA's National Political Committee, a 25-member body, is the organization's primary political leadership. The group's platform includes proposals such as abolishing the Senate, replacing the president and Supreme Court with institutions chosen by Congress, granting amnesty to all undocumented immigrants, and renaming the Department of War. Kiros noted that not all members necessarily endorse every aspect of the platform, as it is voted on democratically by members.
Kiros confirmed her support for policies like Medicare for All and universal childcare, while rejecting other platform points such as abolishing the Senate, withdrawing from NATO, and defunding the police. She also expressed support for a 32-hour workweek.
Kiros defended her socialist political philosophy, stating, "Socialism has proven to deliver on the values of the Declaration of Independence more than capitalism has."
Additionally, Kiros has faced scrutiny over her past statements regarding Israel. Some Denver Jewish leaders have expressed safety concerns, citing her initial reluctance to label the 2025 Boulder firebombing as antisemitic and her accusations that Israel has committed genocide and apartheid.
A July poll indicated that 56% of registered voters hold an unfavorable view of the DSA, while 31% view it favorably. Among Democrats surveyed, 59% expressed a favorable opinion of the organization, with 26% viewing it unfavorably.