Joe Neguse, a son of refugees from Eritrea and the first Black person elected to Congress from Colorado, is a rising star in his state’s politics and on the House Democratic leadership ladder. Just 34 when he was first elected in 2018, Neguse could be in for a long career in the House or serve in higher office. He describes himself as an eternal optimist, especially when it comes to reaching across the aisle. Neguse worked as an aide in the Colorado House of Representatives, where he helped found New Era Colorado, a progressive nonprofit that works to get young Coloradans involved in politics.