Colorado Springs – Colorado’s 5th Congressional District, a Republican stronghold for five decades, is seeing an unusually tight race as the November 3 election draws near. Incumbent Rep. Jeff Crank, a two‑term Republican, faces Democratic challenger Jessica Killin, a newcomer to federal office. Both candidates sat down with KRDO13 to discuss the issues most pressing to voters in El Paso County and the surrounding communities.
Affordability and inflation
Rep. Jeff Crank said the biggest challenge for Southern Coloradans is affordability, pointing to the surge in inflation during the Biden administration. “Inflation hit a 40‑year high – 9 % in one year – and we have brought it down to about 3.2 % under President Trump,” he asserted. Crank blamed state legislative decisions for higher housing and utility costs, and emphasized his record of opposing tax increases. He highlighted the Working Families Tax Cuts Act, which he said prevented a $4.5 trillion tax hike that would have devastated families.
Jessica Killin agreed that cost of living is a crisis, noting that many residents struggle to afford groceries, gas, housing and childcare despite promotions or raises. She called for a stronger federal role in easing these pressures, arguing that the current administration has not done enough to help working families.
Tariffs and trade policy
Killin suggested that even with President Trump in the White House, Congress should “take back its power” and curb what she described as “regressive” Trump tariffs that raise prices for low‑income households and hinder small‑business growth. She criticized Rep. Crank for voting to extend those tariffs six times.
Crank defended the tariffs as a tool for protecting American industry, noting that they are intended to counter unfair foreign practices. He argued that any adjustment must balance national security and the need to keep jobs in Colorado’s manufacturing sector.
Health care and Medicare
Killin called for reinstating Affordable Care Act subsidies that she says lowered premiums and deductibles for many Coloradans. She also urged stronger negotiation on Medicare and prescription‑drug pricing.
Crank warned that rolling back the ACA could raise costs for families and increase federal spending. He pledged to protect the gains made under the Trump administration’s health‑care reforms, which he says have expanded choice and reduced bureaucracy.
Military presence and Space Command
The candidates were asked about the recent decision to move Space Command from Colorado Springs to Huntsville, Alabama. Killin said the promise of additional investment in the Springs must be honored, regardless of which party controls Washington. Crank emphasized the district’s vital military and veteran population and pledged to advocate for continued federal support for local bases and related jobs.
Artificial intelligence and data centers
Both candidates expressed interest in the proposed data center that has sparked a public debate in Colorado Springs. Killin favored careful regulation to protect privacy while encouraging innovation. Crank argued that over‑regulation could stifle economic growth and that the federal government should focus on ensuring national security rather than micromanaging private industry.
Looking beyond the campaign
When asked how they would reduce political hostility after the election, Killin said she would work to bring “real results” and bridge partisan divides. Crank echoed that sentiment, promising to focus on policies that improve everyday life for constituents rather than partisan theater.
With polls indicating a tighter-than‑usual race, voters in El Paso County and the broader 5th District will decide whether to continue the Republican legacy or usher in a new Democratic voice in Congress. Both candidates say they are ready to fight for the American Dream that families in Southern Colorado cherish.
Original reporting: KRDO (Colorado Springs metro) — read the source article.
