Lewis received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2011. | Photo: Wikimedia/US Congress
Jared Polis is one of several LGBTI candidates running for office in the US this year. He’s a Democrat from Colorado who’s hoping to become the country’s first openly gay man elected as governor.
Recently, he got a huge endorsement from Civil Rights hero John Lewis.
In the 1960s, Lewis became one of the original 13 Freedom Riders. He also helped organize the March on Washington in 1963. The march ended with Martin Luther King, Jr.’s celebrated ‘I Have a Dream’ speech.
In 1965, he led marchers across Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama. The day became known as Bloody Sunday.
He is currently a member of the House of Representatives from Georgia and has been serving since 1987.
Polis posted a video of Lewis’ endorsement on Facebook.
Civil rights legend and U.S. Rep. John Lewis has always been a hero of mine, and it is beyond humbling to have his support as we continue building a more equal and just nation. Rep. John Lewis knows what it means to fight for our fundamental rights and shared values. I’m running for Governor to recognize healthcare as a basic human right, fight discrimination, and ensure every American has the chance to get ahead.
Posted by Jared Polis on Monday, March 5, 2018
Intersectional support
‘Not long ago,’ Lewis begins in the video. ‘Only 58 people in all of Congress had the courage to say, “We must start to impeach Donald Trump.” Jared Polis is one of those few leaders.’
The video shows Polis and Lewis together.
‘Courageous enough to vote to end Donald Trump’s presidency. Jared and I have worked together for years to expand civil rights and to make healthcare more affordable to millions.
‘I’m proud to call Jared my friend. He has the courage to be a great governor for Colorado.’
26 June is the primary election for Polis. If he wins, he’ll move into the general election scheduled for 6 November, the day of midterms.
Come November, LGBTI leaders could make more history.