Jan 23, 2025 Story by: Editor
Denver’s James Coleman will make history as the second-ever Black state Senate president. At 37, Coleman is set to become one of Colorado’s most influential lawmakers.
Why It Matters
Coleman’s pragmatic political stance sets him apart from his more ideologically driven Democratic colleagues, positioning him as a key dealmaker in an increasingly liberal Legislature.
Key Priorities
In an interview with Axios Denver, Coleman emphasized his primary goal for this legislative session: ensuring Colorado avoids the divisive trends seen in Washington, D.C. This includes protecting vulnerable populations from the Trump administration and maintaining a collaborative culture in the Legislature.
What He Said:
“My goal is to help us pass high-quality legislation that’s going to ultimately be implemented — not just passed, but implemented,” Coleman explained. He added, “I’m going to be involved in all the stakeholding, all the conversations.”
His Journey to Pragmatism
Coleman’s moderate approach is deeply influenced by his life experiences:
- Advocating for School Choice: After being expelled from middle school for fighting, Coleman used a school voucher program to attend a small church-based school, shaping his support for school choice.
- Championing Criminal Justice Reform: His close brush with the juvenile justice system led him to favor reforms prioritizing rehabilitation over incarceration.
- Balancing Industry Mandates: Coleman’s time leading nonprofits and running a small business informs his cautious approach to enforcing new industry mandates.
The Backstory
Coleman’s passion for public service was sparked by two key influences:
- His “Obama moment” in school, when he met then-Mayor Wellington Webb, a prominent Black politician.
- His father, a street pastor, whom Coleman met at age 11. “I just wanted to be with [my Dad], and so I’ve been conditioned to do this work my entire life,” Coleman shared. His father took him to nursing homes and food banks, instilling a lifelong commitment to helping others.
Political Milestones
- Coleman narrowly won his first legislative race in a 2016 state House primary by fewer than 100 votes.
- He secured re-election in the state Senate last year with ease.
- If he maintains his position, Coleman could serve as Senate president for a rare four-year term.
The Bottom Line
Reflecting on his journey, Coleman said, “That’s part of why I love service.” With a focus on practical, impactful legislation, Coleman’s leadership aims to bridge divides and foster progress in Colorado’s General Assembly.
Source: Axios
