Jared Polis

Jared Polis is an American politician and businessman who served as a U.S. Representative for Colorado's 2nd congressional district from 2009 to 2019. A member of the Democratic Party, he is notable for being the first openly gay man elected to Congress as a non-incumbent and for his significant contributions to various legislative initiatives. Following his tenure in the House, Polis was elected as the 43rd governor of Colorado in 2018, making history as the first openly gay man to hold the office of governor in any U.S. state.

Early life and career

Jared Schutz Polis was born on May 12, 1975, in Boulder, Colorado. He is the son of Stephen Schutz and Susan Polis Schutz, who are the founders of Blue Mountain Arts, a greeting card and book publishing company. Polis spent part of his youth in San Diego, California, where he attended high school and graduated from La Jolla Country Day School in three years, achieving multiple honors.

Polis pursued higher education at Princeton University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in politics in 1996. His academic work included a senior thesis titled "Paradigm Shift: Politics in the Information Age," which was supervised by Carol M. Swain. While at Princeton, he was actively involved in student government, serving as communications director, and participated in various campus organizations, including Model Congress and the Princeton Juggling Club. During his sophomore year, he made a notable investment by purchasing a series of stamps that were later recalled due to a printing error, selling them for a significant profit.

In addition to his academic pursuits, Polis co-founded American Information Systems (AIS), Inc., an internet access provider, while still in college. The company was sold in 1998. He also co-founded bluemountain.com, an electronic greeting card website, which was sold in 1999 for a substantial sum. In 1998, he launched ProFlowers, an online florist, which later became Provide Commerce, Inc. The company went public in 2003 and was acquired by Liberty Media Corporation in 2005. Polis's entrepreneurial ventures contributed to his wealth, making him one of the wealthiest members of Congress during his tenure.

House tenure

Polis entered politics with a focus on education and governance. He was elected to the Colorado State Board of Education in 2000, where he served until 2007. His election was one of the closest in Colorado history, winning by a narrow margin against the incumbent. During his time on the board, he held both the chairman and vice chairman positions.

In 2008, Polis successfully ran for the U.S. House of Representatives, winning a competitive Democratic primary and subsequently the general election for Colorado's 2nd congressional district with a significant majority of the vote. He succeeded Mark Udall, who had moved on to the U.S. Senate. Polis was re-elected multiple times, maintaining a strong voter base in his district. His electoral success included victories in 2010, 2012, 2014, and 2016, where he consistently garnered a majority of the votes.

During his tenure in the House, Polis played a role in the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) as the chair of the Red to Blue program in 2012. This position involved recruiting and fundraising for Democratic candidates in competitive districts, showcasing his commitment to party-building efforts.

Legislative focus and committees

Throughout his time in Congress, Polis was known for his focus on various legislative issues, particularly in education and technology. He introduced several pieces of legislation aimed at improving access to education and addressing the rising costs of college textbooks. One notable initiative was the Affordable College Textbook Act, which he introduced in both the 113th and 114th Congresses. This legislation aimed to alleviate the financial burden on students by promoting the use of affordable and accessible educational materials.

Polis's legislative work extended beyond education, as he was involved in broader discussions regarding technology, innovation, and economic development. His background as a successful entrepreneur informed his approach to policy-making, particularly in areas related to business and technology.

In addition to his legislative initiatives, Polis was a member of various committees during his time in the House. His committee assignments allowed him to engage with a range of issues, furthering his influence on national policy. His participation in these committees provided him with a platform to advocate for his constituents and address pressing matters facing the nation.

After concluding his fifth term in the House on January 3, 2019, Polis transitioned to the role of governor of Colorado, where he continued to influence state policy and governance. His election as governor marked another milestone in his political career, as he became the first openly gay man elected to govern a U.S. state. His tenure as governor has been characterized by a focus on progressive policies and initiatives aimed at addressing various challenges within Colorado.

Jared Polis's career reflects a blend of entrepreneurship and public service, with a commitment to education, innovation, and community engagement. His journey from a successful businessman to a prominent political figure illustrates his dedication to serving the people of Colorado and advocating for policies that promote equity and opportunity.