“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.”
Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) member Melat Kiros, who defeated 15-term incumbent Democrat Rep. Diana DeGette in this week's Colorado House primary, is now signaling she won't back Hakeem Jeffries as the House Democratic 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,” Kiros told Politico when she was asked if she would support House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries.
Kiros’ victory adds to a string of wins for the party's left flank, which has been knocking out establishment Democrats in deep blue districts. Her win follows the same pattern seen last week when three candidates backed by the DSA and socialist New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani.
Supporters at Claire Valdez’s victory party in Brooklyn were heard chanting "You're next! You're next! You're next!" as Jeffries appeared on a TV.
The number of left-wing candidates pulling off the wins could pressure the House Democratic caucus to the left after the midterm elections, which may put pressure on Jeffries' hold on leadership.
Kiros, an Ethiopian-born former attorney who also blamed 9/11 on the United States, has pushed positions including cutting off US aid to Israel, ending ICE, and establishing universal healthcare. She has been endorsed by far-left Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders. During her victory speech, Kiros said, "We will not wait to put an end to the politics of the past, to get big money out of our politics, and to reject corporate PACs and AIPAC."
She voiced her position that she wanted to abolish ICE and added, "We will not wait to end the genocide in Palestine."
Given that Colorado's 1st District is solidly Democratic, Kiros is heavily favored to win the general election and end up in Congress.
Libby’s Desk
Commentary and must-reads from Libby’s desk, straight to your inbox.
TPM Newsletter
The Post Millennial’s top stories, delivered to your inbox.
