Through the years, Gov. Jared Polis appears to have welcomed the libertarian label — affixed to him by the news media, political commentators and even some other politicians. It’s almost as if he wants to create a buzz about it.

However, a closer examination of what he has done to our state reveals a stark contrast between that label and his actions.

As the chairwoman of the Libertarian Party of Colorado, I must bring attention to the fact Polis’ administration has not liberated Coloradans in the slightest but rather tethered us with more government control.

Polis often touts his libertarian credentials through his support for marijuana legalization and school choice. Though these two policies are commendable, they paint an incomplete and deceptive picture. Libertarianism advocates for consistent reduction in government size and control over citizens’ lives, a principal Polis has not embodied.

Taxation is a key issue of Libertarianism as it is the involuntary seizure of individual wealth at the threat of violence. Polis, while campaigning as an advocate for lower income taxes, consistently passes and advocates for legislation which increases the tax burden upon Coloradans. The unsuccessful Proposition CC, in which the state would have retained excess tax revenue, was a clear example of his willingness to expand state coffers rather than return money to the people. He has worked to kill TABOR throughout his term, while signing his name to TABOR checks when he is defeated.

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Under Polis’s watch, government control has only expanded in health care and education. Policies like universal full-day kindergarten and health care mandates increase government’s control of daily life. His administration has also introduced or supported bills that increase regulatory burdens, particularly in the energy sector. These moves expand government services and bureaucracies, directly opposing the libertarian principles of personal responsibility and limited government.

In terms of personal freedoms, Polis’ record strips rights from Coloradans left and right. His support for gun control measures, such as red-flag laws, directly infringes upon Second Amendment rights, which our U.S. Constitution clearly states, “shall not be infringed.” Moreover, despite his advocacy for local control, Polis has centralized power at the state level, particularly with Senate Bill 181, which tightened regulations on oil and gas, reducing local communities’ autonomy of their resources.

Colorado’s standing in state freedom rankings has not improved under Gov. Polis; in fact, it has declined. His administration’s approach to environmental regulations, land-use and energy policy has often meant more government oversight, not less.

The governor’s claim of libertarianism is more about public image than actual policy. His governance has shown a preference for expanding the government’s role, whether it’s through new regulations, increased taxes, or centralizing power. This is not the path to a freer Colorado but one where the state’s hand grows ever heavier in the lives of its citizens.

True libertarianism in Colorado demands more than rhetoric; it requires a consistent commitment to reducing government size, scope and power. It’s time for policies that genuinely support personal and economic freedom, not just when it’s politically convenient. Under Gov. Polis, we’ve seen selective libertarianism at best, and at worst, a continuation of dangerous and cannibalistic government expansion.

If Colorado is to embrace true libertarianism, it must move beyond the illusion spun by Polis’ administration. We need leaders who reduce or eliminate their control of citizens’ lives. The path forward is clear: less government, more liberty. Let’s not be fooled by the facade; let’s demand the enforcement of our constitutional rights, the path toward freedom.

Hannah Goodman is chairwoman of the Libertarian Party of Colorado.