Republican · Colorado's 5th District · 2026
Jeff Crank
Crank grew up in Pueblo, where his mother worked as a teacher's aide.
Biography
Jeff Crank met his wife, Lisa, at Colorado State University; they have two children, Joel and Jessica, who join him on hunting trips.1 He grew up in southern Colorado, where his mother worked as a teacher's aide in Pueblo.1 His father was a World War II Navy veteran who later managed work on the Pershing II missile program at the Pueblo Army Depot.1
After earning a political science degree, Crank worked for Representative Joel Hefley from 1991 to 1998, concentrating on military issues and serving as administrative director.1 He returned to Colorado for leadership jobs at the Colorado Springs Chamber of Commerce, later becoming chief operating officer at Americans for Prosperity and running a real estate investment company.1 His broadcasting work included The Jeff Crank Show and the American Potential podcast.1
Elected in 2024, Crank serves on the House Armed Services and Natural Resources committees.2 He opposed moving Space Command headquarters to Alabama but now argues that other military investments can offset the loss.2 He also voted to override Trump's veto of Arkansas Valley Conduit legislation.2
Crank faces Democratic challenger Jessica Killin in the 2026 election.2 He defends his support for the Republican tax and spending package and advocates tighter control of federal spending.2 He says bipartisan Social Security discussions should consider gradually raising retirement ages for future beneficiaries.2 He also supports local decisions about data centers and continued military operations aimed at ending Iran's nuclear capability.2
Record and controversies
Republican; Jessica Killin | Democrat
Killin's advertising criticized a gift disclosure waiver Crank obtained, but KRDO reported that the approved waiver concerned gifts associated with his daughter's wedding.3 Crank said he sought ethics guidance before the wedding; Killin told the station she was criticizing the rules rather than alleging he had broken them.3 His campaign said the venue's only discount was its publicly available military discount for the groom.3 The waiver is not proof of an ethics violation.3