According to predictions from Decision Desk HQ, Republican candidate Jeff Crank is expected to win the Republican primary with retiring Rep. Doug Lambourn (R-Colo.), dealing a blow to Donald Trump.
Crank, an executive with the Koch-backed Americans for Prosperity, who enjoyed the support of House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) and Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-Minn.), was the primary candidate in the Republican primary. He defeated Republican Chairman Dave Williams and won. Colorado’s 5th Congressional District. Williams received Trump’s endorsement.
Clear divisions emerged primarily between conservative hardliners. Williams has been embroiled in controversy since taking the helm of the state Republican Party. He drew criticism from within the party after resources were used to promote Williams’ congressional bid, filing a complaint with the Federal Election Commission (FEC).
For some of the party’s members, the turning point came earlier this month, when Williams and the state party posted anti-LGBTQ content, including a state Republican post on X: “Burn all #Pride flags this June.” dike.
Williams’ fate as chairman of the state Republican Party remains uncertain for now.
The 5th Congressional District went to Trump by 10 points in 2020, and Crank became the most popular seat in November.
