Ken DeGraaf is a Republican state representative serving Colorado House District 22, which covers a portion of northeast Colorado Springs in El Paso County. He assumed office on January 9, 2023, succeeding Colin Larson, and won re-election in 2024 with 56.62% of the vote. A 30-year veteran of the United States Air Force, he previously served in active duty, Guard, and Reserve roles, concluding his military career teaching advanced calculus and powered flight at the United States Air Force Academy. He now works as a commercial airline pilot and resides in Colorado Springs with his wife Kim; they have three children and one son-in-law.

Education and Political Experience

DeGraaf studied engineering mechanics at the United States Air Force Academy and earned a master's degree in the same field from Columbia University, where he received a Guggenheim fellowship. His political experience includes election to the Colorado House in 2022 and service on a school board; he currently serves on the House Committee on Finance. Notable aspects of his background include multi-state and international relocations during military service, experience as a USAFA instructor and environmental manager, and a foundation in manual labor.