History Made as Jared Polis Sworn in as First Openly Gay Governor

Jared Polis was officially been sworn in as Governor of Colorado on Tuesday — making him the first out gay man to claim the title of Governor in any state.

The ceremony took place on the steps of the Colorado State Capital, with a large emotional crowd standing by to watch Polis take up his new office along with four other newly elected officials, all of whom are Democrats.

“I must begin by saying that I’m very conscious of the fact that there were many brave people over the years who made it possible for someone like me to be standing here, giving a speech like this,” Polis said in his speech, standing at a platform highlighted by a thin rainbow banner underneath his name.

“Right now, our nation is experiencing a period of growing divisiveness and rising tribalism. But here in Colorado, we choose a different path. Here, we have come so far, we have climbed so high, we have done so much, not just to say but to show that we reject the negative and divisive brand of politics.”

The new governor’s partner, Marlon Reis, and their two children, Caspian and Cora, were in attendance as Polis was sworn in.

His ceremony came with an additional milestone — he’s also Colorado’s first Jewish governor. He took the oath of office on a siddur, a Jewish prayer book.

And of course, he celebrated the momentous occasion with a selfie.