Jessica Killin Announces Congressional Bid to Challenge Republican Incumbent in El Paso County

Jessica Killin Launches Congressional Campaign in El Paso County

Jessica Killin, a seasoned political operative with extensive experience in the White House and Congress, has officially announced her candidacy for the Democratic nomination in Colorado’s 5th Congressional District. This seat is currently occupied by Republican Jeff Crank, who is seeking re-election after successfully winning his initial term.

In her campaign launch on Tuesday, Killin expressed her motivations for running, stating, “I’m running because I’m a patriot and I love my country and I love Colorado.” She emphasized her desire to provide opportunities for others in her community to pursue their version of the American dream, similar to the one she achieved after growing up in a middle-class family in Colorado Springs.

A Proven Leader with a Diverse Background

Killin’s impressive career includes serving as chief of staff for Doug Emhoff, the Second Gentleman of the United States. She has also held leadership roles with various Democratic representatives in Congress, including recently collaborating with moderate Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez. Additionally, she worked with USAA on policy efforts. Despite her extensive professional network, questions remain about her connections to the local community after relocating back to Colorado Springs.

Although Killin recently returned to her hometown, she pointed to her family’s four-generation history in the area, stating, “Colorado Springs and this community in particular have instilled in me the values that have propelled me throughout my entire career.” Following her education at Falcon High School, she received an ROTC scholarship, which led to eight years of service in the U.S. Army, where she achieved the rank of Captain in the Military Police Corps before pursuing her legal education at Georgetown Law School.

Challenges Ahead in a Strong Republican District

Running in a district that has historically leaned Republican presents significant challenges for Killin. The 5th Congressional District, mainly covering El Paso County, has never elected a Democratic representative, and registered Republicans currently outnumber Democrats by more than two to one. In the 2024 election, Crank won his seat by more than 15 points against his Democratic opponent.

Despite the odds, Killin believes her moderate stance and core values can make her a viable candidate. “I like hard work,” she said. “I think that who I am and my core values actually fit this district much more than what Jeff Crank is doing.” She identifies herself as a pragmatic Democrat aspiring to bridge divides and work collaboratively with those across the aisle to improve the lives of constituents in the Pikes Peak region.

Focusing on Key Issues

As part of her campaign rhetoric, Killin highlighted concerns over Crank’s support for the One Big Beautiful Bill, which she believes could negatively impact healthcare access and contribute to national debt—a point she hopes resonates with the electorate. Additionally, her background as a military veteran allows her to connect with the significant military and veteran population in her district.

Responding to Killin’s candidacy, a senior advisor to Crank, Nick Trainer, remarked, “Killin has spent her last 20 years in D.C. working against the people of El Paso County.” Trainer emphasized Crank’s commitment to the community and slated the race as one between a dedicated local leader and a Washington outsider.

Potential for a Democratic Surge

Despite its historical leaning, there have been indicators of a Democratic shift within the district. Following the recent elections, the Cook Political Report revised its Partisan Voting Index for the district, reducing it from R+9 to R+5, which may signal a shift in voter sentiment. In addition, the presence of over 100,000 unaffiliated voters adds another layer of complexity to the electoral landscape.

Killin faces competition in the primary from other Democratic candidates, including veteran Joe Reagan and Zuri Horowitz, who was recently active on the Citizens’ Transportation Advisory board.

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