Republican Jeff Crank has received the endorsement of former President Trump in the 5th District race for Congress to represent the Colorado Springs region.
Crank is taking on Democrat River Gassen in the widely conservative district to fill the seat being vacated by U.S. Rep. Doug Lamborn.
Trump made the announcement on his Truth social media page Tuesday night.
Trump said he is endorsing Crank for his willingness to help grow the economy, secure the borders and stop migrant crime, support the military, Second Amendment, and energy independence.
The elephant in the room is Trump’s previous endorsement for Dave Williams to win the Republican primary in that congressional race.
Williams has been embroiled in controversy since it was revealed that as state party chairman, he used the party’s bank account to prop up his campaign, which he lost by a considerable margin with 33% to Crank’s 67% of the vote.
The state party’s central committee called a special meeting to remove Williams as chairman for misspending and numerous other complaints about party operations. Williams reacted by taking the party to court.
Long story short, the vote has been held, and a new chairman was elected, but Williams is hanging on and refusing to turn over the party’s checkbook.
Now it will be up to the national party, which is essentially headed by Trump, as to who will head Colorado’s GOP — Williams or recently elected Eli Bremer?
It’s unclear whether Trump has ever changed an endorsement after his pick lost a congressional primary race.
But Trump’s statement included a hint as to why he now supports Crank and didn’t stick with Williams.
“Jeff is a conservative warrior who has incredible support from his community.” Trump said.
Emphasis added to support from the community.