El Paso County, Colo. – For more than two decades, Colorado’s 5th Congressional District was a Republican stronghold, routinely delivering victories by at least 39,000 votes. This year that pattern is unraveling. As of Wednesday night, Democrat Jessica Killin holds a lead of roughly 12,700 votes over Republican incumbent Jeff Crank, a margin that could hold even if every remaining ballot favored Crank.
Republican leaders point to money and messaging
County GOP Chairman Ken Davis told KRDO13 that the surge in Democratic spending has been a decisive factor. “When it comes to elections, money is always a big factor. And she [Killin] was able to, even before her primary was complete, start putting out negative Jeff Crank ads,” Davis said.
Davis also blamed the national climate, noting that an “unpopular White House” has not helped local Republicans. He stressed that the party is adapting: “Our messaging has to become central. We need to definitely coalesce around some central ideas as a party.” He added that GOP volunteers will increase front‑facing outreach and focus on educating voters.
Democrats credit grassroots door‑knocking and new families
El Paso County Democratic Chairman John Jarrell expressed confidence that Killin’s victory could signal a lasting shift. “I think we’ll see competitive races moving forward. We were already moving in that direction,” he said.
Jarrell attributed the Democratic surge to an intensive door‑knocking effort and outreach to newer residents. “We’ve seen a lot of new housing there which brings in new families, young families that have different points of view on politics than the previous generations did,” he explained. He highlighted how the COVID‑era experience with cost‑of‑living pressures has made “kitchen‑table issues” more salient for these voters.
What the numbers show
The race remains too close to call, but the latest update shows Killin ahead by just over 12,700 votes. While the final tally will depend on the remaining absentee and provisional ballots, the trend marks a dramatic departure from the district’s historic Republican dominance.
Looking ahead
Both parties acknowledge that demographic changes in El Paso County are reshaping the political landscape. Republicans say they will refine their messaging and increase voter contact, while Democrats plan to build on their grassroots momentum and continue targeting new families moving into the area.
Local voters are encouraged to stay informed as the count progresses and to participate in future elections, whether by volunteering, donating, or simply casting a ballot.
Original reporting: KRDO (Colorado Springs metro) — read the source article.
