Colorado Gov. Jared Polis and Lt. Gov. Primavera Sworn-in for a Second Term

Governor Outlines Vision of a Colorado that Offers Opportunity for Every Coloradan to Thrive

COLORADO — Today, Gov. Jared Polis and Lt. Gov. Dianne Primavera were sworn in for a second term following a sweeping electoral victory, marking the conclusion of a well-run 2022 Colorado election, the continuation of trusted, pragmatic leadership for Colorado, and a commitment to ensure all Coloradans can thrive.

Following Colorado National Guard 38 cannon salute honoring Colorado’s statehood and the 101st Army Band performance, Governor Polis delivered his Inaugural Address outlining his vision to deliver a Colorado for all with his signature common sense approach and pragmatic solutions.

“My fellow Coloradans, it has been the honor of my life to serve as your Governor these past four years and it is with the deepest gratitude and love for Colorado that I accept the responsibility of leading our incredible state for the next four,” Gov. Polis stated in his Inaugural Address.

“People of all ages and backgrounds and walks of life, from Garfield to Douglas, Las Animas to Larimer, spoke loud and clear that they want inclusivity, not division,” the Governor continued. “They want practical solutions and real results, not partisan ideology. Our mandate from the people is to lead the Colorado way and that’s exactly what I intend to do as your Governor for these next four years.”

It was four years ago that Gov. Polis promised to reject divisiveness and embrace governing built on collaboration and integrity.

Since then, the Polis Administration has delivered on many major commitments including creating free kindergarten, keeping Colorado on a path to 100 percent renewables, cutting income and property taxes and saving people money, and protecting people’s freedoms.

In his second inaugural address, the Governor recognized the clear mandate for the Polis Administration to continue to create opportunities for each and every Coloradan to thrive. He outlined four major priorities to reach that vision:

Increase housing that Coloradans can afford and ensure Coloradans can live in the communities where they work.
Continue the bold path toward making Colorado 100% renewable-energy powered by 2040 and manage Colorado’s water scarcity.
Reduce crime with a focus on preventing crime from happening in the first place.

Lt. Governor Primavera, who leads the Office of Saving People Money on Healthcare, echoed the Governor’s vision following her swearing in Colorado Supreme Court Chief Justice Brain D. Boatright, who performed the swearing-in for the Governor, Secretary of State, Treasurer, and Attorney General as well.

“All of us are so lucky to call Colorado our home. For Governor Polis and me, the opportunity to go to work and serve this amazing place is something we wake up grateful for every day,” Lt. Gov. Primavera stated. “Colorado, we all know, the job isn’t done yet. Not when it comes to health care, and not when it comes to lowering costs so every Colorado family can thrive. So we are getting right back to work making more progress for the people of Colorado — building the bright future that all our kids, including my three wonderful grandkids, deserve.”

The 2023 inaugural ceremony program featured powerful contributions and performances by a diverse set of Coloradans. This included religious and spiritual leaders who provided prayers for the ceremony including a Native American blessing by Chairman Manuel Heart of the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe, an invocation from Reverend Dr. James D. Peters and benediction by Rabbi Dr. Tirzah Firestone of Congregation Nevei Kodesh.

The National Anthem was performed by the Denver Gay Men’s Chorus and the Out Loud Colorado Springs Men’s Chorus followed by a recitation of poems from Susan P. Schutz. The event was also bookended with performances by Tarell Martin and the C2 Mass Choir. See the full program here.

“Our administration will always be about freedom and opportunity for every single person,” the Governor stated to an audience of nearly 1,000 people. “Because no matter who you are or who you love… No matter what part of Colorado you call home… No matter your race, or your gender, or how you worship, or how you vote, Colorado belongs to all of us. And we will all help shape what our future looks like.”