COLORADO SPRINGS, CO – In case you missed it, the National Journal highlighted that the momentum behind Army Veteran Jessica Killin has made Colorado's 5th Congressional District a critical targeted district to flip for the first time in history.

National Journal wrote about the historic opportunity in CO-05: 

“Democrats have a chance to make history in November.

“Voters in Colorado’s 5th Congressional District have never elected a Democrat in the seat’s 50-year history. The district has never been competitive. Republican Rep. Jeff Crank comfortably won the seat two years ago as the district went ignored by the national Democratic campaign apparatus.

“Yet, though most of the country tilted rightward during the 2024 election, the Colorado Springs district was one of the few that shifted toward former Vice President Kamala Harris—underscoring the quickly changing demographics of the city.”

National Journal noted that despite its conservative history, there are signs of change:

Colorado Springs Councilor Kimberly Gold first saw the winds of change in 2023, when the city elected its first mayor not affiliated with the Republican Party in more than 40 years.

“‘There was an energy in the city wanting some type of change in government,’ Gold recalled. ‘I think here in Colorado Springs, more and more folks are starting to understand and embrace that they can be unaffiliated. … We are sick of the status quo, and I think that’s trickling into the CD-05 election.’”

Killin’s strong campaign has garnered national attention and support:

“Killin’s strong campaign earned her a spot on the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee’s Red to Blue list, effectively an endorsement from the committee and a signal that she might benefit from outside investment. The list does not guarantee such investment, but it's a notable addition this far out from November on the list of 20.

“‘I believe that the district is ready for change and right for change, but I didn't necessarily know if others would buy into it,’ Killin said of making the DCCC list. ‘This demonstrates that it is possible.“

National Journal highlighted  Killin’s local endorsers about their support for her, and how her race has brought needed attention to the district:

“‘Normally, we have not been able to get the state party to pay any attention to us,” said Paschal, who supports Killin and argues that the seat requires outside attention in order for Democrats to win.

“Paschal, Gold, and Henjum, all local elected officials who endorsed Killin, say they are optimistic that she can build a winning coalition in this traditionally conservative area. They were impressed with the nuance Killin brought to policy, which could help her win a difficult seat.

“For Killin, it’s not rocket science.

“I just want sh*t to work,’ she said. ‘I’m exhausted by the chaos. I’m exhausted by the tribalism in our politics. I’m running because I’m a patriot and I love my country.’”

Local community members and leaders are feeling hopeful about the opportunity to unseat Jeff Crank, including State Representative Amy Paschal:

“‘I’m more optimistic now than I ever have been that we could actually flip the seat this time,’ Paschal said. ‘I’m really excited about that.’”

About Jessica Killin

A proud fourth-generation Coloradan, Jessica Killin’s life has been shaped by a commitment to service and a deep love for her state and country. Raised in Colorado Springs by public school educators, she learned early the values of hard work and community. After graduating from Falcon High School, Jessica earned an ROTC scholarship and served as a Captain and  paratrooper in the U.S. Army, leading soldiers as a Military Police Officer overseas. She has since dedicated her career to improving the livelihoods of all Americans, including over a decade at USAA where she worked to protect military families during the 2008 financial crisis, streamline VA home loans, and help servicemembers avoid predatory lenders. Jessica is an Army veteran, public servant, and a devoted mother in a blended family with her husband, Raj, and three children.

To learn more about Jessica Killin and her campaign, please visit killinforcolorado.com and follow her on Instagram, X, and Facebook.

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