Judge Throws Out Legal Challenge to Jessica Killin’s Congressional Candidacy
A legal effort to remove Democratic congressional candidate Jessica Killin from Colorado’s 5th Congressional District race has been dismissed by a Denver District Court judge, ending the challenge just days before Election Day.
The case was brought by Wayne Laugesen, a former Colorado Springs Gazette editorial page editor, who questioned whether Killin met the residency requirements to serve in Congress.
The dispute centered on property records showing that a home Killin and her husband own in Maryland was designated as their principal residence. The designation prompted questions about whether Killin maintains her primary residence in Colorado.
In a ruling issued Friday, Oct. 30, the judge determined that the challenge was filed after Colorado's legal deadline for contesting a candidate's qualifications. State law generally allows five days following certification of the election ballot to bring such a challenge.
The judge also rejected a separate argument that the Colorado Secretary of State's Office had an obligation to reconsider Killin's eligibility. The court ultimately dismissed the case with prejudice, meaning the same claims cannot simply be refiled.
Killin, who is challenging Republican incumbent U.S. Rep. Jeff Crank, will remain on the ballot for the Nov. 3 general election.
Although the court dismissed the challenge, its decision focused on the timing and legal grounds for the filing rather than resolving the underlying questions about Killin's residency.
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