News (USA)

Out Democrat Jared Polis elected to fourth term in U.S. House

Out Democrat Jared Polis elected to fourth term in U.S. House

DENVER — Openly gay Democratic Rep. Jared Polis of Boulder has won a fourth term.

U.S. Rep. Jared Polis (R-Colo.)
U.S. Rep. Jared Polis (R-Colo.) AP

He defeated Republican challenger George Leing in Colorado’s 2nd Congressional District, which includes the University of Colorado and Colorado State University.

Polis is known for advocating for greater limits on oil and gas drilling. He also is one of the few members of Congress to back marijuana legalization.

Polis was first elected in 2008, becoming the first openly gay parent in Congress.

He serves as one of seven co-chairs of the LGBT Equality Caucus, and is an original cosponsor of the Respect for Marriage Act which would allow recognition for same-sex couples in the U.S. Polis was also a cosponsor of the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act.

Polis, his partner, Marlon Reis, and their two children reside in Boulder, Colorado.

Associated Press contributed to this report.
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