Jessica Killin Flips Colorado’s 5th Congressional District in Historic Election Upset
Colorado’s historically Republican 5th Congressional District is headed for a historic political shift after Democrat Jessica Killin defeated incumbent Republican U.S. Rep. Jeff Crank in Tuesday’s midterm election.
The Associated Press declared Killin the winner Thursday afternoon, marking the first time in the district’s more than 50-year history that a Democrat has been elected to represent the seat in Congress.
As of Thursday morning, Killin held approximately 50.6% of the vote compared to Crank’s 46%, giving her a lead of more than 13,000 votes. Although more than 20,000 ballots remained to be counted in El Paso County, the Associated Press determined that Crank no longer had a viable path to victory.
The outcome represents a significant departure from the district's longstanding political history. Colorado’s 5th Congressional District, which encompasses Colorado Springs and much of El Paso County, has consistently elected Republican representatives since its creation in 1973. No Democratic candidate had previously received more than 41% of the vote in a general election for the seat.
Killin, an Army veteran and former chief of staff to former Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff, campaigned on issues including affordability, healthcare and dissatisfaction with the current political climate. Her campaign attracted significant financial support from national Democratic organizations seeking to flip the traditionally conservative district.
Crank, who was elected in 2024 following the retirement of longtime Republican Rep. Doug Lamborn, was seeking a second term in Congress. His defeat marks the end of Republican representation for the district and a notable loss for Colorado Republicans.
The race drew considerable national attention throughout the campaign season, with both parties investing millions of dollars in advertising and campaign support. National election forecasters had moved the district into the toss-up category in the final weeks before Election Day.
Killin's victory also raises questions about the political direction of El Paso County, a region long recognized as one of Colorado's strongest Republican voting bases. While Republicans maintain a significant voter registration advantage in the county, the results demonstrate a changing electoral landscape that could have implications for future local, state and federal elections.
With the seat flipping to Democratic control, Killin will represent Colorado's 5th Congressional District in the 120th Congress beginning in January 2027.
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