Jared Polis

Jared Schutz Polis (born May 12, 1975) is an American entrepreneur, philanthropist, and politician who has served as the 43rd governor of Colorado since January 2019. A member of the Democratic Party, he represented Colorado's 2nd congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives from 2009 to 2019, where he was rated as the most effective member of the state's congressional delegation. Polis achieved historic distinction as the first openly gay man elected governor in the United States.

Born in Boulder, Colorado, to parents involved in the peace movement, Polis demonstrated early entrepreneurial talent by founding his first company, American Information Systems, while attending Princeton University, from which he graduated with a bachelor's degree in 1996. He later co-founded ProFlowers, an online flower delivery service that was sold for hundreds of millions, and launched other tech ventures, amassing significant wealth by age 30 and earning recognition as an "Entrepreneur of the Year." Committing to public service, Polis established charter schools for at-risk youth and new immigrants, as well as nonprofits supporting veterans and startup founders.

Entering politics, Polis served on the Colorado State Board of Education, advocating for higher teacher pay and smaller class sizes, before winning election to the Colorado House of Representatives in 2006 and then to Congress in 2008. As governor, he has prioritized fiscal measures such as tax cuts for small businesses, investments in affordable housing and transportation, and universal full-day kindergarten, while advancing renewable energy goals toward 100% by 2040 and efforts to lower healthcare costs. His administration has focused on economic growth, environmental protection, and expanding access to services for underserved communities, reflecting a pragmatic approach blending business acumen with policy innovation.