Justice Democrats Endorse Melat Kiros in Colorado’s 1st District
On Thursday, the Justice Democrats, a national progressive organization, endorsed Melat Kiros—a lawyer and barista—in her campaign against Democratic Rep. Diana DeGette in Colorado’s 1st District. This marks the sixth endorsement by Justice Democrats against an incumbent during this election cycle, underscoring a movement for generational and ideological change within the Democratic Party.
As the call for fresh leadership and younger representatives grows among party supporters, Kiros is positioned as a candidate ready to respond to this demand. “Voters in Denver, like across the country, are ready to turn the page on a Democratic Party that has been failing to combat the Trump administration and corporate interests,” said Justice Democrats Executive Director Alexandra Rojas. “Melat is exactly the type of leadership we need right now—grounded in her community’s experiences and determined to stand up to the wealthiest stakeholders.”
Kiros Launches Campaign with a Focus on Affordability
Kiros, at the age of 28, launched her campaign in July with a promise to address rising costs and take a stand against President Donald Trump if elected. Her campaign launch featured clips of DeGette from the late 1990s, striking a stark contrast between the two candidates.
In a recent NBC News interview, Kiros stated, “The No. 1 concern that I have is with affordability.” She emphasized her commitment to supporting working-class individuals, especially in Denver, which ranks as the fifth-least affordable city in the nation. “Everyday working people are the backbone of this country, and we’re watching folks being priced out of their homes,” she added.
Criticism of Incumbent Rep. DeGette
Kiros did not hesitate to directly criticize DeGette, accusing her of providing “lip service” regarding rising costs. “Many Democrats, including DeGette, claim to prioritize affordability, but we’re not witnessing them deliver real solutions,” Kiros remarked.
In response, DeGette defended her record against the backdrop of criticism. “Out-of-state groups are attacking my progressive record and let’s be clear: they are dead wrong,” she stated. “I’m dedicated to protecting reproductive rights, ensuring health care is a human right through the Medicare for All Act, and fostering a country where families aren’t torn apart by ICE raids.” DeGette, the longest-serving member of Colorado’s congressional delegation, faces multiple challengers in her predominantly Democratic district.
The Push for Youthful Leadership
Kiros highlighted a renewed call for younger leaders, citing a sense of instability and “existential crises” felt by her peers. “My generation is watching how the older generation has failed to provide an affordable future, and we need someone who understands that,” she explained.
Justice Democrats has emerged during the Trump administration, supporting several successful anti-incumbent candidates, such as Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Summer Lee. Kiros frequently referenced these leaders, commending their efforts to eliminate super PACs and restrict stock trading by Congress members.
Endorsements and Future Prospects
In addition to Kiros, Justice Democrats has also thrown its support behind other candidates this election cycle, including:
- State Rep. Justin Pearson in Tennessee, challenging Democratic Rep. Steve Cohen.
- Angela Gonzales-Torres, running against Democratic Rep. Jimmy Gomez in California.
- Michigan State Rep. Donovan McKinney, taking on Democratic Rep. Shri Thanedar.
- Darializa Avila Chevalier, challenging Rep. Adriano Espaillat in New York.
- Former Rep. Cori Bush, running against Rep. Wesley Bell in Missouri.
Bush, who previously lost a congressional bid in 2018, was again supported by Justice Democrats in 2020, leading to her victory over an incumbent. As the 2026 midterm elections approach, groups like Justice Democrats and Leaders We Deserve, founded by gun control advocate David Hogg, are rallying behind a new generation of candidates poised to shake up the status quo.
