Democrat Jared Polis wins Colorado governor's race

By Nathaniel Weixel - 11/06/18 09:39 PM EST
Democrat Jared Polis wins Colorado governor's race
© Greg Nash

Democratic Rep. Jared PolisJared Schutz PolisKey Colorado House committee passes bill to decide presidential elections by popular vote, not Electoral college Gardner gets latest Democratic challenge from former state senator Gardner, Portman endorse Trump for 2020 MORE will be the new governor of Colorado, after he defeated Republican Walker Stapleton on Tuesday.

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The five-term congressman, who is the first openly gay man to win a gubernatorial race, pulled away from the Republican state treasurer in recent weeks, despite an onslaught of negative ads directed at him by outside groups. Polis gained the support of major environmental groups after making renewable energy and climate change major points in his campaign.

Stapleton was endorsed by President TrumpDonald John TrumpBill Kristol resurfaces video of Pence calling Obama executive action on immigration a 'profound mistake' ACLU says planned national emergency declaration is 'clear abuse of presidential power' O'Rourke says he'd 'absolutely' take down border wall near El Paso if he could MORE. Trump lost Colorado in the 2016 presidential election to Democratic nominee Hillary ClintonHillary Diane Rodham ClintonO’Rourke heading to Wisconsin amid 2020 speculation The Hill's 12:30 Report — Presented by Kidney Care Partners — Lawmakers scramble as shutdown deadline nears Exclusive: Biden almost certain to enter 2020 race MORE by a 48-percent-to-43-percent margin.

Polis will replace Democrat John Hickenlooper, who was term-limited. Hickenlooper has long drawn speculation as a potential contender for the 2020 Democratic presidential nomination, and recently said he was “leaning strongly” towards running.

Tags Hillary Clinton Donald Trump Jared Polis Colorado colorado governor