Colorado Democrats take historic House districts as ballots count

Democrat Jessica Killin leads Republican incumbent Jeff Crank by more than five points in Colorado's 5th Congressional District as of Wednesday morning, a result that would mark the first time a Democrat represents El Paso County in the U.S. House. The district has never elected a Democrat to the federal chamber. Killin spoke to Denver7 on Wednesday morning, noting that the final count was still pending but that she was grateful for the community's desire for new leadership.

Crank won the seat in 2024 by a margin of about 14 points. In the same cycle, President Donald Trump carried El Paso County by nine points. Killin stated that if she wins, her priorities will include lowering costs, expanding healthcare access, and restoring public trust in government. She specifically cited the need to address tariffs affecting small businesses and a tax structure that impacts lower-income residents. She also highlighted the need to improve the housing supply to create more affordable options in El Paso County.

In the 4th Congressional District, Democrat Eileen Laubacher holds a lead over Republican incumbent Lauren Boebert by less than one point. The district covers the Eastern Plains and has not elected a Democrat since 2008. In the 3rd Congressional District, which spans the Western Slope and Pueblo, Republican incumbent Jeff Hurd has pulled ahead of Democrat Dwayne Romero by less than two points.

The 8th Congressional District race has been called for Democrat Manny Rutinel, who leads Republican incumbent Gabe Evans by nearly 15 points. This victory adds to the Democratic gains across the state. Craig Steiner, chair of the Colorado Republican Party, described the results as a shock, though not entirely unexpected. He noted that the party controlling the White House rarely performs well in midterm elections.

Steiner said the outcome was overwhelming. He attributed many Democratic votes to a national wave against President Trump rather than a rejection of local conservatism. He observed that voters who typically support Republicans felt the need to choose Democrats at the federal level as a check on the president. Steiner pointed to the war in Iran and rising gas prices as key factors driving voters toward the opposition party.

Regarding the morale of Colorado Republicans, Steiner acknowledged that the day after the election is difficult. He stated that the party will regroup and fight in two years. On election night, Crank told reporters he expected a close contest. He blamed the narrow margin on dissatisfaction with the Trump administration, describing the resistance as a national trend rather than a specific issue with his own record.

Rep. Brittany Pettersen, who won reelection in the 7th Congressional District, said the Democratic sweep of both the House and Senate gives the party greater power in Congress. She said this position allows Democrats to hold the president accountable, ensure access to healthcare, and rein in practices by ICE. She also mentioned the goal of addressing illegal tariffs and ending the war.

Rep. Jason Crow, who won reelection in the 6th Congressional District, described the moment as both a celebration and a call to action. He said the victory is a turning point for the country, but the hard work begins now. He emphasized that while the win belongs to the country, the party must now deliver on its promises.