Melat Kiros, a 28-year-old attorney, is taking on the challenge of a lifetime by running for Congress in Denver. Her motivation? Speaking out against Israel's genocide in Gaza and calling for an end to US military aid to Israel.
Just last year, Kiros lost her job after writing a scathing post on Medium criticizing law firms, including her own, for opposing pro-Palestine protests. The backlash was swift, with her employer terminating her employment. But Kiros didn't let that silence her. Instead, she used the experience to fuel her campaign and take on the powerful corporate lobby.
Kiros' views are not new, but they're certainly bold. As a member of Justice Democrats, a progressive outfit pushing back against pro-Israel groups, Kiros is taking aim at what she sees as a corrupt system that rewards those who speak out against genocide in Gaza - or any human rights abuses for that matter - with job loss and social ostracism.
At the center of Kiros' campaign are three core issues: taking on big money in politics; championing policies like Medicare for All, housing first, and universal childcare; and calling for accountability from politicians who speak out against genocide. In short, she's fighting for a party that represents its constituents, not just wealthy donors.
Kiros faces stiff competition in her bid to oust incumbent Rep. Diana DeGette, who has raised more than three times Kiros' total of $125,000 this year. But while fundraising might be an uphill battle, Kiros is confident she can build a grassroots movement that brings people together around shared values and principles.
"We need Congress to represent us, not their wealthy donors," Kiros said, speaking to The Intercept about her vision for change. "It's time for politicians who are willing to take on powerful interests and fight for our rights - no matter the cost."
This isn't a message that resonates with everyone. Rep. DeGette has taken more than $5 million throughout her career from corporate PACs, while Justice Democrats deems her beholden to pro-Israel groups. Yet, Kiros' boldness and willingness to challenge the status quo may ultimately win out in Denver.
One thing is certain: Melat Kiros is a candidate who will not be silenced by powerful interests or intimidated into silence. She's taking on the system with courage and conviction - a quality that has become increasingly rare in politics today.
Just last year, Kiros lost her job after writing a scathing post on Medium criticizing law firms, including her own, for opposing pro-Palestine protests. The backlash was swift, with her employer terminating her employment. But Kiros didn't let that silence her. Instead, she used the experience to fuel her campaign and take on the powerful corporate lobby.
Kiros' views are not new, but they're certainly bold. As a member of Justice Democrats, a progressive outfit pushing back against pro-Israel groups, Kiros is taking aim at what she sees as a corrupt system that rewards those who speak out against genocide in Gaza - or any human rights abuses for that matter - with job loss and social ostracism.
At the center of Kiros' campaign are three core issues: taking on big money in politics; championing policies like Medicare for All, housing first, and universal childcare; and calling for accountability from politicians who speak out against genocide. In short, she's fighting for a party that represents its constituents, not just wealthy donors.
Kiros faces stiff competition in her bid to oust incumbent Rep. Diana DeGette, who has raised more than three times Kiros' total of $125,000 this year. But while fundraising might be an uphill battle, Kiros is confident she can build a grassroots movement that brings people together around shared values and principles.
"We need Congress to represent us, not their wealthy donors," Kiros said, speaking to The Intercept about her vision for change. "It's time for politicians who are willing to take on powerful interests and fight for our rights - no matter the cost."
This isn't a message that resonates with everyone. Rep. DeGette has taken more than $5 million throughout her career from corporate PACs, while Justice Democrats deems her beholden to pro-Israel groups. Yet, Kiros' boldness and willingness to challenge the status quo may ultimately win out in Denver.
One thing is certain: Melat Kiros is a candidate who will not be silenced by powerful interests or intimidated into silence. She's taking on the system with courage and conviction - a quality that has become increasingly rare in politics today.
so what do you guys think about this Melat Kiros chick running for Congress? 
is it bold to speak out against Israel's actions in Gaza like that? 
i mean, she lost her job after speaking out, but now she's using that experience to fuel her campaign... that's some serious courage 
. and let's be real, Rep. DeGette has been taking corporate PACs for $$$ for ages 
, so maybe Kiros' message is about time? 
what do you guys think she needs to win over the voters in Denver? 
. Like, she's going up against these big donors and pro-Israel groups? That takes guts 
.
. And what if she loses? Does she just lose everything and start over? 
. Maybe we need more people like Kiros who aren't afraid to speak truth to power 
.
Do you think grassroots movements like Kiros' are more effective in bringing about change than just throwing money at an election? 
this is so inspiring to see someone like melat kiros standing up for what she believes in, even if it means facing backlash from the corporate world 
. i mean, losing her job over speaking out against israel's genocide in gaza is huge 
. it shows that there are still people who care about fighting for change and not just lining their pockets 
! 
... like, remember when activists used to actually face some serious pushback for speaking out against injustice? nowadays it just seems like everyone's trying to shut down dissenting voices 
& it's becoming so hard to find politicians who are willing to stand up to the big money lobby 
! i love how she's taking on the establishment and corporate lobby head-on, speaking out against israel's actions in gaza and demanding accountability from politicians who speak out against genocide. it's about time someone was willing to challenge the status quo and fight for what's right, even if it means going up against some powerful interests 
!
she's literally fighting against israel's genocide in gaza and calling out big money in politics which tbh is a total necessity. i mean who needs corporate pacs taking down politicians? not me btw 
and it sounds like kiros has that in spades. 
. At the same time, isn't it weird how she lost her job just for expressing her views? Like, shouldn't people be able to say what they believe without getting fired? 