Jeff Crank defeats Trump-backed candidate in Colorado's 5th District GOP race
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Jeff Crank defeated the controversial leader of the state Republican Party to claim victory in the 5th Congressional District seat based in Colorado Springs.
Why it matters: The race represented a battle for the soul of the Colorado Republican Party, and in the GOP-heavy district, the winner is almost assuredly headed to Congress.
Driving the news: Crank won 66% in preliminary results posted at 11:45pm. The Associated Press projected him as the winner minutes after polls closed at 7pm.
- His primary challenger, former state Rep. Dave Williams, who was endorsed by Trump, received 34%.
The big picture: Crank's victory is a big win for establishment Republicans against the firebrand Williams in a race that drew national attention.
- The contest attracted more than $2.4 million in outside spending, most of it to support Crank, a former strategist with Americans for Prosperity, the Koch-backed conservative group that opposes Trump.
- The bulk of the spending in support of Crank came from America Leads Action, a conservative super PAC backed by Walmart heir and Denver Broncos co-owner Rob Walton, the Colorado Sun reports. AFP Action added another $476,000 to help his cause.
The other side: Williams' defeat is a major blow for the embattled state GOP chairman, who led with a pugnacious Trump-style approach since taking the position in March 2023.
- He is facing demands to resign his post — for the second time in less than 15 months — after his call to "burn all pride flags" and move to purge conservatives who don't align with Trump from the state party's leadership ranks.
The intrigue: The state party spent $20,000 on a mailer promoting Williams and attacking his opponent, an unusual step that drew concerns about insider dealing.
What's next: In November, Crank will face a long-shot Democratic challenge from River Gassen or Joe Reagan who were deadlocked in the party's primary election, separated by less than 100 votes.