Jared Polis Elected First Openly Gay Governor in U.S. History; Becomes One of Highest Profile LGBTQ Leaders in Nation

Tonight U.S. Representative Jared Polis of Colorado became the first openly gay man elected governor of a U.S. state, defeating his Republican opponent by a strong margin. Throughout the campaign Polis spoke with voters about his partner and children, making him one of the most visible LGBTQ candidates in the nation and a model for how other high-profile LGBTQ candidates can run a statewide campaign. Polis is just the second openly LGBTQ person ever elected governor of a U.S. state – the other being openly bisexual Governor Kate Brown of Oregon, who is up for reelection tonight.

Victory Fund made Polis one of its “Game Changer” candidates, helping him secure national and LGBTQ media attention for his campaign. Mayor Annise Parker, President & CEO of LGBTQ Victory Fund, supported efforts to raise his profile with the Colorado LGBTQ community by joining him at Denver Pride and taking part in a bus tour throughout Colorado early last week.

“Generations of LGBTQ advocates have dreamed of the moment when voters would overcome tired stereotypes and elect an openly gay man who stands proudly with his partner and family – and this is that moment,” said Mayor Annise Parker, President & CEO of LGBTQ Victory Fund. “Colorado has undergone a transformation that parallels the changing attitudes in the country at large. In just 25 years, Colorado went from being labeled a ‘hate state’ for its anti-LGBTQ voter-approved ballot initiative to becoming the first state in the nation to elect an openly gay governor. This is the evolution we will fight for in states all throughout the country – both red and blue – because we know voters are ready to support authentic, values-driven LGBTQ candidates who speak to the issues that matter most. Jared shattered a lavender ceiling in Colorado, but its effect will extend well-beyond the state’s borders.”

Four openly LGBTQ people ran for governor this cycle – a historic number. In addition to Polis and Brown, Lupe Valdez ran for governor of Texas and Christine Hallquist for governor of Vermont.