Election Day 2018: Jared Polis, first openly gay gov. elected in Colorado

Polis, a U.S. representative since 2009, defeated the Republican candidate, Walker Stapleton, to succeed Democratic Gov. John Hicklenlooper, who was limited to two terms.

Polis never tried to hide his sexuality during the campaign and even used it to differentiate himself from the Trump administration, according to Vox.

"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, Vox reported.

The progressive Polis was also the first openly gay man elected to the U.S. House in 2008, according to CNN.

His campaign platform included a push for universal health care, renewable energy and early childhood education.