Rep. Jeff Crank and Jessica Killin debate in Colorado Springs; talk tariffs, foreign policy
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) -- Democratic candidate Jessica Killin and incumbent Republican Rep. Jeff Crank faced off in a debate for Colorado's 5th Congressional District seat.
The candidates debated key issues including economic conditions, tariffs, foreign policy regarding Iran, border security and Social Security.
Colorado House District 5, which includes El Paso County, has historically served as a Republican stronghold. Crank is seeking his second term in Congress after succeeding longtime Rep. Doug Lamborn.
However, recent polling shows a competitive race, with some polls placing Killin within one percentage point of Crank. Killin, an Army veteran, has centered her platform on middle-class concerns and economic affordability, as she tries to become the first Democrat to win the district.
Killin challenged Crank on tariffs, the state of the economy, foreign policy regarding Iran and his support for President Donald Trump.
“Jeff Crank is demonstrated his main goal is fealty to Trump, not actually delivering for the American people, not actually representing El Paso County. And they want someone... they want change,” Killin said.
Killin emphasized her grassroots campaign efforts across political affiliations throughout El Paso County.
“I'm out in the community every single day talking to Republicans, talking to unaffiliated voters, talking to Democrats. And they are hearing what I're saying,” Killin said.
Crank countered by focusing on national economic issues and pointing to Killin's prior political career in Washington. Crank highlighted her service as deputy assistant to President Joe Biden in the White House and as chief of staff to Vice President Kamala Harris.
“Inflation was at a 40-year high. And I do want to remind folks that my opponent was the deputy assistant to Biden in the White House and she was a chief of staff in Harris' office,” Crank said.
Crank also touted federal funding he secured for the district and praised executive actions on immigration.
“This President has fixed the border. I've been down there and visited; it is fixed. And all it took was the political will of a president,” Crank said.
Despite sharp exchanges, both candidates found common ground on select policy issues. Killin and Crank agreed on the necessity of strengthening Social Security and stated that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement should prioritize deporting criminals over nonviolent residents.