Jillian Likness, a Republican political activist and strategist, is in the race to succeed Rep. Pete Lee in House District 18 in Colorado Springs next year.

Lee, a Democrat, is term-limited in the House and said last weekend he plans to run for Senate District 11. The incumbent there, Democrat Mike Merrifield, said he’s stepping down to retire after four years in the Senate and eight in the House.

Democrats have held the seat since Merrifield was elected to it in 2002, after eight years of representation from Doug Dean, the former Republican House speaker

Likness faces Donald Howbert, so far, in the Republican primary. Terry Martinez and Graham Anderson are in the Democratic primary, according to the Secretary of State’s Office.

“I have had the honor of serving as both communications director and campaign manager for a number of candidates and elected officials, and I want to continue serving as your next state representative,” Likness said in a statement. “I have been on the ground meeting the people who make Colorado exceptional. I know that together we can build a better Colorado for everyone! I am asking for your support as we work hard to win in 2018.

Likness is a Colorado native and works in property and casualty insurance, as well as her work as a political strategist. She has an undergraduate degree in communications from the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs and an MBA from the University of Colorado.

“I have been blessed to work, play and live in one of the most beautiful places in the country – Colorado is not just my home, it is the state I love,” Likness said on her website.

Her website says her priority issues are human trafficking, education, economic growth and jobs, as well as safe communities.

Among the boards and committees she’s served on are the Colorado Women’s Alliance Advisory Council, the UCCS Alumni Advisory Board and the Colorado Springs Diversity Forum’s Everybody Welcome Committee.

Likness is a member of The First United Methodist Church and has worked with The American Red Cross, The Home Front Cares, DECA and Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Pikes Peak Region among many organizations in her community, she said. She also is a member of the NAPW, Denver Press Club and CU Alumni Organization.

“I have spent nearly two decades working and volunteering in the public and private sectors,” Likness said. “I come from a family tradition of military and public service and that value of service before self has resonated within me for as long as I can remember.”