A Democratic candidate in Colorado’s Fifth Congressional District has launched a television advertisement featuring the family of Virginia Giuffre, a prominent victim of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, in an effort to challenge the Republican incumbent, Jeff Crank. The ad accuses Crank of obstructing the release of files related to Epstein and declining to meet with Giuffre’s relatives.

Sky Roberts, Giuffre’s brother, is featured in the ad, asserting that Crank has deliberately shielded Epstein’s crimes to protect former President Donald Trump, and stating that Crank has “no place in Congress.” The controversy centers on Crank’s record regarding legislation aimed at making Epstein-related documents public. Although Crank voted in favor of the bill to release the files, he did not sign a bipartisan discharge petition crucial to bringing the measure to the House floor and also voted against the initial consideration of the legislation.

Crank’s campaign has responded by accusing his Democratic opponent, Jessica Killin, of politicizing the hardship endured by Epstein’s victims. A spokesperson for Crank pointed out that Democrats controlled the White House during the period when the files could have been released but failed to do so.

The Roberts family stated they have met with Crank’s district director but have not had a direct meeting with the congressman. They have also engaged in public protests to pressure Crank on the issue of transparency surrounding Epstein’s crimes.

The fight over access to Epstein-related documents has emerged as a significant theme in the 2024 midterm elections. Across the country, at least 35 congressional campaigns are focusing on the subject in advertisements, underscoring widespread voter interest in governmental transparency related to the Epstein case.