Progressive Candidate Melat Kiros Wins Colorado Democratic Primary After Calling for U.S. Arms Embargo on Israel

Progressive Democrat Melat Kiros has won the Democratic primary in Colorado's 1st Congressional District ahead of the upcoming U.S. midterm elections, following a campaign that called for the United States to impose an arms embargo on Israel.

Kiros defeated longtime Democratic Rep. Diana DeGette in Tuesday's primary election. During the campaign, DeGette expressed opposition to continued U.S. arms shipments to Israel while also affirming Israel's right to self-defense.

Kiros' victory is being viewed as a major upset, as she defeated a political heavyweight who had represented the district in Congress for nearly three decades. The result is also seen as another sign of growing momentum for progressive candidates within the Democratic Party.

The win follows a series of progressive victories in Democratic primaries. Last week in New York, three candidates who identify as Democratic Socialists and progressives won their party's primary contests, with two of them known for their strong criticism of Israel.

Kiros, 29, is a lawyer and is currently pursuing a Ph.D.

Colorado's 1st Congressional District includes the city of Denver and has long been considered a Democratic stronghold. As a result, political observers believe Kiros enters November's midterm election as the clear favorite to win the seat.