With anger spreading over Iran war, Democrats hope to flip Republican seats with veterans’ help

Retired Colonel Lou Christensen attended a Democratic congressional candidate's party in Colorado Springs, Colorado, despite being a registered Republican and Air Force veteran. Christensen, along with fellow veteran Jessica Killin, is challenging first-term Republican Rep. Jeff Crank in Colorado's 5th Congressional District. This conservative stronghold, which includes five military facilities, is a longshot for Democrats as they aim to flip Republican seats with the help of veterans.

The district is home to NORAD, Fort Carson, and the Air Force Academy, and nearly one out of every nine residents is a veteran. Killin emphasizes the need for guardrails in the legislative branch and criticizes Crank for not standing up to what he perceives as unconstitutional actions. In a similar vein, Democrat Nancy Lacore, a retired Navy vice admiral, is running against Republican Jennifer Honeycutt in South Carolina's 1st Congressional District.

Like Killin, Lacore criticizes the Iran war and Trump's leadership. Veterans in both districts express frustration with the current administration and its impact on national safety and military conditions.