Karen Breslin is a political science professor, lawyer, and former federal policy adviser running for the U.S. Senate Democratic primary. Born in Louisville, Kentucky, Breslin earned a bachelor's degree from Metro State University (1982), graduate degree from University of Colorado Denver (1989), and law degree from University of Denver (2002). She previously ran for U.S. Senate against Michael Bennet in 2022 and for Congress in Colorado's 4th district in 2024, drawing 19% of delegates at the 2022 state assembly despite minimal fundraising and no prior political experience.
Breslin worked in various roles with the National Park Service, including as a senior policy adviser handling planning, communications, and legislative affairs. Her work watching administrations from both parties reverse course on environmental policy convinced her 'the agency just kind of folds' when powerful industries object. Traces political awakening to post-Vietnam, post-Watergate era when press watchdog role inspired belief that 'telling the truth about how power works could actually spark change.' Currently teaches political science at University of Colorado Denver.