Jessica Killin, a former Army captain and ex-chief of staff to second gentleman Doug Emhoff, secured the Democratic nomination in Colorado's 5th Congressional District's primary election on Tuesday. She is set to challenge Republican incumbent Jeff Crank in November for the seat, which is based in Colorado Springs and includes a significant military presence.
Killin, a first-time candidate, garnered national support and demonstrated strong fundraising capabilities during the primary. She defeated fellow Army veteran Joe Reagan, a nonprofit leader who had previously run for the seat in 2024 and emphasized his local connections and work with veterans.
The general election will determine if Democrats can achieve a pickup in this Republican-leaning district, which encompasses Fort Carson and the U.S. Air Force Academy, alongside the growing suburbs of Colorado Springs. The district has attracted national attention from Democrats due to a narrowing margin of victory for Republicans in recent elections. Former President Donald Trump's margin in El Paso County, which largely aligns with the 5th District, decreased from 22 points in 2016 to 10 points in 2024. Similarly, Republican margins in House races within the district have also diminished over the last decade.
The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) included Killin in its Red to Blue program, indicating the party views the seat as a potential pickup opportunity, despite its current Republican designation.
Jeff Crank, the incumbent, has a background in broadcasting, including hosting "The Jeff Crank Show" and the "American Potential Podcast." Prior to his election to Congress, Crank served as Vice President for the Colorado Springs Chamber of Commerce and Chief Operating Officer at Americans for Prosperity.
Killin has publicly aligned herself with a more centrist Democratic stance. She signed onto an initiative describing its participants as "capitalist, not socialist" and stressing priorities such as public safety, fiscal responsibility, secure borders, and national pride. She also stated that candidates associated with the Democratic Socialists of America should not represent the party's image.
Crank ran unopposed in the Republican primary. He is seeking his second term representing the district, which is a GOP stronghold.
