Jared Polis

Jared Polis is an American politician and entrepreneur currently serving as the 43rd governor of Colorado. A member of the Democratic Party, he assumed office in 2019 and is notable for being the first openly gay man elected governor of a U.S. state, as well as the first Jewish governor of Colorado. Prior to his governorship, Polis represented Colorado's 2nd congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives from 2009 to 2019. His career has been marked by significant involvement in both business and politics, reflecting a blend of entrepreneurial success and public service.

Early life and career

Jared Polis was born on May 12, 1975, in Boulder, Colorado, to Stephen Schutz and Susan Polis Schutz, who are the founders of Blue Mountain Arts, a greeting card and book publishing company. He spent part of his childhood in Boulder before moving to San Diego, California, where he attended high school. Polis graduated from La Jolla Country Day School in three years, earning multiple honors for his academic achievements. He continued his education at Princeton University, where he obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in politics in 1996. His senior thesis, titled "Paradigm Shift: Politics in the Information Age," was supervised by Carol M. Swain. While at Princeton, Polis was actively involved in various campus organizations, including serving as the communications director for the undergraduate student government and participating in Model Congress and the Princeton Juggling Club.

During his time at Princeton, Polis demonstrated his entrepreneurial spirit by co-founding American Information Systems (AIS), Inc., an internet access provider, while still a student. The company was sold in 1998. In 1996, he also co-founded bluemountain.com, a free electronic greeting card website that was sold to Excite@Home in 1999 for a substantial sum. In 1998, he launched ProFlowers, an online florist, which later became known as Provide Commerce, Inc. This company went public in 2003 and was subsequently acquired by Liberty Media Corporation in 2005 for a significant amount. Polis's business ventures contributed to his wealth, making him one of the wealthiest members of Congress during his tenure.

Governorship

Polis's political career began to take shape when he was elected to the Colorado State Board of Education in 2000. He served a single six-year term, during which he held positions as both chairman and vice chairman. His election was notable for being one of the closest in Colorado's history, as he won by a narrow margin against the incumbent. Following his time on the State Board, Polis became a prominent figure in Colorado politics, particularly as a member of a group known as the "Gang of Four," which consisted of wealthy Coloradans who supported Democratic candidates in statewide races.

In 2008, Polis won a competitive primary election for Colorado's 2nd congressional district, subsequently winning the general election with a significant majority. He was reelected multiple times, serving in the U.S. House of Representatives until 2019. During his congressional tenure, he was involved in various legislative efforts and served as the Red to Blue program chair for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, where he helped recruit candidates and raise funds for competitive races.

In 2018, Polis ran for governor of Colorado and won the election, officially taking office in January 2019. His election was historic, as he became the first openly gay man elected governor of a U.S. state, as well as the first Jewish governor of Colorado. His governorship has been marked by a focus on various policy initiatives and a commitment to addressing issues relevant to Colorado residents.

Policy focus and legacy

As governor, Polis has prioritized a range of issues, including education, healthcare, and environmental sustainability. His background in business has influenced his approach to governance, emphasizing innovation and economic growth. He has advocated for policies aimed at improving access to education and healthcare, as well as initiatives to combat climate change and promote renewable energy.

Polis's administration has also been characterized by efforts to enhance transparency and ethics in government. He played a role in supporting measures that aimed to limit the influence of lobbyists and improve the integrity of public office. His commitment to ethical governance was evident during his time on the Colorado State Board of Education and has continued throughout his political career.

In addition to his policy initiatives, Polis's legacy includes his role as a trailblazer for LGBTQ+ representation in politics. His election as the first openly gay governor of a U.S. state has been seen as a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts for equality and representation for the LGBTQ+ community.

Overall, Jared Polis's career reflects a blend of entrepreneurial success and public service, with a focus on progressive policies that aim to benefit the residents of Colorado. His tenure as governor continues to evolve, as he navigates the complexities of state governance and addresses the challenges facing Colorado in the 21st century.