Killin Leads Crank in 5th District Race

Early Colorado midterm returns show Democrats and Republicans trading leads in several congressional districts while statewide measures split voters.

Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Elections

Live Poll

Should local police be required to notify Homeland Security about people charged with crimes?

With 72% of ballots counted, Democrat Jessica Killin holds 51% to Republican Jeff Crank's 45% in Colorado's 5th Congressional District. Amendment 81 is failing with 55% voting no and 45% voting yes, with 75% of votes counted.

Why it matters

The early returns offer a snapshot of competitive House contests across Colorado, where a shift in a few districts could affect the balance of the state's congressional delegation. The results on Amendment 81 and other statewide measures will shape policy on law enforcement cooperation and tax structure for Colorado residents.

Amendment 87 is narrowly passing with 51% yes to 49% no, which would switch Colorado from a flat income tax to a tiered rate based on yearly income. Issue 7a, the Front Range Rail sales tax, is passing 55% to 45%, but the final tally has not been released.

The details

Amendment 81 would require state and local law enforcement to notify Homeland Security about certain people charged with crimes. Amendment 84, which would have required voters to write the last four digits of their Social Security or driver's license number on ballot envelopes, is failing decisively.

- Election results reported as of 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, November 4, 2026, with counting ongoing.

Political Context

Amendment 87 marks a departure from Colorado's flat income tax structure, which voters would replace with rates that rise with yearly income. Opponents of tiered rates have historically argued that a flat rate is simpler and more predictable for taxpayers.

Amendment 87, if approved, would change how Colorado taxpayers are charged based on yearly income rather than a single flat rate. Voters should check their county election office for final certified results before drawing conclusions about specific races.

The takeaway

Early returns are incomplete, and close races in Colorado may shift as remaining ballots are counted. Readers should watch for certified totals before drawing final conclusions.