Democratic Rep. Jared Polis Jared Schutz PolisMore than 1,000 gather at Colorado racetrack to protest governor's coronavirus orders Over 300 LGBT leaders endorse Biden for president : 'The most pro-equality ticket in US history' Colorado GOP lawmaker, Michelle Malkin sue governor over coronavirus orders 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 Trump Donald John TrumpOmar fires back at Trump over rally remarks: 'This is my country' Pelosi: Trump hurrying to fill SCOTUS seat so he can repeal ObamaCare Trump mocks Biden appearance, mask use ahead of first debate MORE. Trump lost Colorado in the 2016 presidential election to Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton Hillary Diane Rodham ClintonButtigieg stands in as Pence for Harris's debate practice Senate GOP sees early Supreme Court vote as political booster shot Poll: 51 percent of voters want to abolish the electoral college 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.