Jessica Killin has emerged victorious in the Democratic primary for Colorado’s 5th Congressional District, setting the stage for a matchup against incumbent Rep. Jeff Krank (R-Colo.) in November for the seat that primarily serves the Colorado Springs area.
Kirin, an Army veteran and former chief of staff to Doug Emhoff, triumphed over Joe Regan, also an Army veteran and a leader in the nonprofit sector. This victory means she will face no opposition in the Republican primary, as Mr. Krank aims for a second term representing a district that encompasses much of El Paso County, alongside several military-focused communities.
Entering the race as a first-time candidate, Kirin had the benefit of strong fundraising and state support, while Regan, who has local ties and has worked to help veterans, was running for office for the first time in 2024.
The upcoming election will be crucial for Democrats, as it will test their capacity to secure wins in traditionally Republican districts that include significant military installations like Fort Carson and the Air Force Academy. Interestingly, the district’s historical Republican dominance seems to be shifting; recent reports indicate that Donald Trump’s lead in El Paso County—a region aligned closely with the 5th District—dropped from 22 points in 2016 to 10 points in the latest polling for 2024.
National attention is now drawn to this race, and the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) has included the seat in their Red to Blue program, signaling their view of the district as a potential opportunity once considered secured by Republicans.
Jeff Krank, the current incumbent, previously spent seven years in Capitol Hill roles before returning to Colorado, where he has served in various leadership positions, including as the vice president of the Colorado Springs Chamber of Commerce.
Before the primary, Kirin aligned with centrist Democratic Party factions, advocating for public safety, fiscal responsibility, secure borders, and a sense of national pride. He described signatories of a recent initiative as “capitalists, not socialists.” In a recent online press conference, Kirin emphasized that candidates affiliated with the Democratic Socialist Party of America “should not be the face of our party,” reflecting a notable tactical stance as elections approach.
