Jessica Killin secured a victory in the Democratic primary for Colorado’s 5th Congressional District on Tuesday. She will face incumbent Representative Jeff Crank, R-Colo., in the upcoming November election. The district covers Colorado Springs and most of El Paso County.
Killin, a former Army captain and previous chief of staff to Doug Emhoff, defeated Joe Reagan in the primary. Reagan is also an Army veteran and a leader of a nonprofit organization. Now, she will compete against Crank, who ran unopposed in the Republican primary and seeks re-election to a second term.
Entering the race as a first-time candidate, Killin gained significant national support and had strong fundraising efforts. Reagan emphasized his local roots and experience in assisting veterans in starting businesses.
The general election will test Democratic efforts to gain ground in a district traditionally dominated by Republicans. The 5th District, incorporating significant military communities like Fort Carson and the Air Force Academy, has seen reduced Republican margins over recent elections. The Colorado Sun highlighted a notable drop in Trump’s margin in El Paso County from 22 points in 2016 to 10 points in 2024.
The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee has added Killin to its Red to Blue program, indicating national interest in flipping the Republican-held seat.
Jeff Crank, the incumbent, has deep ties in Colorado. His experience spans roles such as Vice President for the Colorado Springs Chamber of Commerce, COO at Americans for Prosperity, and president of a real estate investment firm. He also has a background in broadcasting, with The Jeff Crank Show and the American Potential Podcast to his name.
Killin recently aligned with a centrist Democratic initiative emphasizing public safety, fiscal responsibility, secure borders, and national pride. She stated that candidates allied with the Democratic Socialists of America should not represent the party’s ideals.
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