DENVER - On August 2, 2024, Colorado Governor Jared Polis sent a letter congratulating Venezuela’s President-elect Edmundo González on his victory in the election after Secretary of State Antony Blinken recognized González as the candidate who received the most votes. Earlier this week, the Governor released a statement recognizing the overwhelming evidence of González’s victory, and commending the millions of Venezuelans who made their voices heard in the election. 

“Congratulations on your hard fought and rightfully-earned victory in the Venezuelan presidential election. In the face of violent, unlawful interference in this election by the failed socialist Maduro regime and significant obstacles and threats to the physical safety of Venezuelans, millions of courageous Venezuelans exercised their basic right to elect you as the next President of Venezuela. Overwhelming evidence shows that the people of Venezuela chose you to lead them out of oppression and into a brighter future,” Governor Polis wrote. 

“I applaud the Biden-Harris administration for their leadership and for taking this important step for democracy. I join their call, alongside the Venezuelan people and the international community, for the National Electoral Council to honor and respect the will of the people - the very basic foundation of any democracy. 

“I look forward to building and strengthening the partnership between Colorado and Venezuela as the country turns the page from dictatorship to a vibrant, multi-party democracy,” the letter continues. 

Read the full letter in English and Spanish.