Jessica Killin emerged victorious in the Democratic primary for Colorado’s 5th Congressional District. She will face incumbent Republican Rep. Jeff Crank in the November election.
Primary Election Details
Killin, a former Army captain and previous chief of staff to Doug Emhoff, defeated Joe Reagan, also an Army veteran and nonprofit leader. Reagan relied on his local connections and experience in veteran-focused nonprofit work.
Upcoming Election Challenges
The general election will test Democratic strategies in a traditionally Republican district. The district includes Colorado Springs and military communities like Fort Carson and the Air Force Academy.
While historically Republican, the district has shown signs of shifting. Trump’s support in El Paso County, which overlaps with the district, narrowed significantly from 2016 to 2024.
Democratic Involvement and Focus
Recognizing the opportunity, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee added Killin to its Red to Blue program, seeing potential for a Democratic gain in this GOP-leaning seat.
Jeff Crank’s Background
Crank, the current seat holder, boasts a career that includes time as a Capitol Hill staffer and various leadership roles, such as Vice President of the Colorado Springs Chamber of Commerce and COO at Americans for Prosperity.
Crank also hosts “The Jeff Crank Show” and the “American Potential Podcast.” He will seek a second term in the upcoming election.
Killin’s Position and Strategy
Killin positioned herself as a centrist by supporting initiatives focusing on capitalism, public safety, fiscal responsibility, and secure borders. She has publicly stated her opposition to candidates aligned with the Democratic Socialists of America as the Democratic Party’s representatives.
Fox News Digital’s Politics Reporter Alec Schemmel contributed to this report.