Colorado Primary Winner Says She Will Not Back Jeffries as House Leader

Melat Kiros, a 29-year-old Democratic candidate, defeated 15-term incumbent Rep. Diana DeGette in Tuesday night's primary for Colorado's 1st District. Kiros told Politico after her victory that she will not support House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries as party leader.

"I'm not supporting anyone for leadership who takes corporate PAC money. I'm dead serious about this issue. We have to start setting a standard now," she said. D. student and former attorney, is a member of the Democratic Socialists of America. She has called for an end to U.S. aid to Israel, abolishing ICE, and universal healthcare.

Kiros was fired from a New York law firm after the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel for writing an open letter arguing that calling for the elimination of Israel is not antisemitic. She received backing from Sen. Bernie Sanders during the campaign.

" Colorado's 1st District is rated solidly Democratic by the nonpartisan Cook Political Report, making Kiros the likely winner in November.