Melat Kiros, a Democratic Socialist, has won the primary election for Colorado's 1st Congressional District, a seat representing Denver. The 29-year-old's victory is the latest indication of the growing influence of democratic socialism within the Democratic Party.
In her victory speech, Kiros declared, "Denver voters of all ages, of all races, of all religions sent a clear message: We will not wait!" She added, "We believe that fundamental change can, and will, happen if we fight for it—if we organize and show no fear in standing up for what’s right. That is the message that Denver has sent to both parties, to [President] Donald Trump, and to the entire country."
If elected in November, Kiros will represent a safely Democratic district. Federal campaign finance records show that outside groups spent over $1 million in the final weeks of the primary in an effort to defeat her. Pro-Choice Majority Action, a political action committee that has been running attack ads against Kiros, received funding through a series of pass-through PACs ultimately linked to the American Israel Public Affairs Committee.
Kiros's win follows similar successes for candidates identifying with Democratic Socialists of America in congressional and mayoral races in cities such as Washington, D.C., and Philadelphia.