Colorado elects first openly gay governor in US history

Colorado elected the first openly gay governor in US history on Tuesday.

Democrat Jared Polis, a congressman from the state’s second district, received 51 percent of the vote compared with state treasurer Walker Stapleton’s 45 percent.

Polis mentioned his support for gay rights on the campaign trail.

“I think it really gives Colorado an opportunity to stick a thumb in the eye of Mike Pence, whose view of America is not as inclusive as where America is today,” Polis said during a speech this year.

Polis is the first gay person elected to the position. Former New Jersey Gov. Jim McGreevey came out as gay while in office in 2004.