1-minute voter guide: Democratic race for 5th Congressional District
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Illustration: Brendan Lynch/Axios
Democrats Jessica Killin and Joe Reagan share U.S. Army backgrounds and a desire to flip the 5th Congressional District, but they're offering primary voters different visions for the future.
Why it matters: Even though the district is seen as strong Republican territory, Democrats believe they have an opportunity to defeat incumbent U.S. Rep. Jeff Crank in November as growth shifts the electorate in their direction.
State of play: Killin grew up in Colorado Springs and attended Falcon High School. She served as a captain, paratrooper and military police officer overseas. Most recently, she worked as chief of staff to Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff.
- She entered the race as a first-time candidate but quickly attracted national attention and fundraising support.
- The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee added her to its "Red to Blue" program, signaling that national Democrats view her as a top-tier challenger.
By the numbers: Killin is dominating the fundraising, hauling in more money than Crank since entering the race. She had $1.37 million in the bank as of June 10.
- Reagan had just $33,000 left in his campaign account and owed more than $150,000 in loans and debts at the end of the reporting period, according to recent filings.
The other side: Reagan is an Army combat veteran who completed two tours in Afghanistan, first as an infantry platoon leader and then as a military intelligence officer. He now works for nonprofits that help veterans open businesses.
- He lost in his 2024 bid for the 5th District seat.
The bottom line: Killin is running as the well-funded, nationally connected candidate backed by Democratic power brokers, while Reagan is making the case that a locally rooted veteran with prior campaign experience is better positioned to build a winning coalition in Colorado Springs.