Colorado Roots and a Call to Service
Jessica Killin is a fourth-generation Coloradan, raised in Colorado Springs by two public school educators. Growing up in a community with a heavy military presence, she was instilled with a sense of public service from a young age. After graduating from Falcon High School, she earned an ROTC scholarship that paved the way for her entry into the U.S. Army. This decision marked the first major step in a career that would be defined by service, first in the military and later in civilian roles.
From Army Captain to Georgetown Law
In the Army, Killin served as a Captain and paratrooper. As a Military Police Officer, she led soldiers overseas, participating in peacekeeping missions in the Balkans and supporting NATO expansion efforts throughout Europe. Her time in the military gave
her firsthand leadership experience and a deep understanding of the sacrifices made by service members. Following her military career, Killin transitioned to civilian life by pursuing higher education, earning a law degree from the prestigious Georgetown University. This move equipped her with a new set of skills to continue her work in advocacy and public policy.
A Decade Advocating for Military Families
Killin’s post-military career record includes over a decade as an executive at USAA, a financial services company that caters to military members and their families. In this role, she focused on creating and promoting policies to protect veterans and their families, particularly in the wake of the 2008 financial crisis. Her work involved streamlining the VA home loan process and finding ways to shield service members from predatory lenders, blending her military background with corporate-level advocacy to effect change from within the private sector.
A Return to Public Service in Washington
Fueled by her experiences, Killin eventually returned to government work, taking on leadership roles on Capitol Hill and at the White House. Her career in Washington saw her serve as a staffer for several Democratic representatives, including Donna Shalala, Carolyn Maloney, and Marie Gluesenkamp Perez. She also worked with Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff. According to her campaign biography, this period gave her a direct look at the inner workings of Washington and solidified her desire to seek elected office herself, aiming to bring a more results-oriented focus to government.
The Campaign for Colorado's 5th District
In 2026, Jessica Killin is the Democratic Party's candidate running for the U.S. House to represent Colorado's 5th Congressional District. She advanced from the primary and is on the ballot for the general election on November 3, 2026. Her platform centers on her life experience: as a veteran, a mother, and a public servant who has operated in both the private and public sectors. She frames her campaign as an effort to restore competence and character to Washington, focusing on issues like supporting veterans, lowering costs for families, and moving past partisan gridlock.
