Melat Kiros, a Democratic Socialist who unseated longtime U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette in Colorado’s 1st Congressional District Democratic primary, addressed the influence of the Gaza war on her campaign in an interview with MS NOW’s Chris Hayes.
Hayes asked Kiros whether opposition to Israel’s military campaign in Gaza was the defining issue in her race, citing a conversation with New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani about three primary challengers he had backed who won their races.
“I talked to Zohran Mamdani, the mayor of New York, after three primary challengers that he had backed won,” Hayes said. “And in some of those races, one of them particularly, both candidates I think were quite progressive, this one in Brooklyn. I asked him how central he thought the issue of Israel, the war in Gaza, opposition particularly to the Israeli military campaign in Gaza was. And he seemed to think it was quite central. And I think a lot of people look at this race and say, that’s the defining issue. Do you agree that was the defining issue in this race?”
Kiros responded that the war connects to a broader set of political priorities.
“I think it’s a defining issue in the sense that you can find, you know, connections to all other kinds of issues, depending on what your position is on, you know, what’s happening in Palestine right now, the genocide that we are complicit in with our taxpayer dollars, taxpayer dollars that otherwise could be used here at home to build more hospitals, to fund our public education, to fund…” Kiros said before the feed cut out.
“I think we may have lost her shot. I wonder if we can see if we can get her back. She’s completely gone. That’s a bummer,” Hayes said.
Hayes then noted Kiros’ margin of victory. “Melat Kiros, who won her primary last night by a huge amount, 15 points or over 10 points, taking out Diane Daggett. I think the fourth Democrat who has won against an incumbent in this primary season so far, we might see some more to come,” he said. “I’m sorry that we ended on that note, but I think you’ll be hearing a lot more from her in the months and years to come.”
Watch the clip below!
