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James Coleman (politician)

James Rashad Coleman is an American politician, who is currently serving as a member of the Colorado Senate from the 33rd district. He is currently the President of the Colorado Senate. Prior to entering the State Senate, he was a member of the Colorado House of Representatives from the 7th district.

Early life and education

He was born and raised in Park Hill, Denver. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology with a minor in business administration from Oral Roberts University.[1]

Career

Coleman was elected to the Colorado House of Representatives in 2016. He won the Democratic primary with 41.37% of the vote against opponents Michele Wheeler and Elet Valentine and ran unopposed in the general election. During his tenure in the House, Coleman served on the Business Affairs & Labor Committee and the House Local Government Committee.[2]

In 2019, Coleman announced his candidacy for the 33rd district seat in the Colorado Senate.[3][4] Coleman ran unopposed in the Democratic primary and defeated Unionist Party nominee Jerry Burton in the November general election.[5] He assumed office on January 13, 2021.

Coleman was elected to serve as President of the Colorado Senate for the 75th General Assembly, the second-ever African-American to hold the position.[6]

Personal life

Coleman lives in Denver's Green Valley Ranch neighborhood. He and his wife, Shayna, have two children.[7]

References

  1. ^ "James Coleman (Colorado)". Ballotpedia. Retrieved February 2, 2021.
  2. ^ "James Coleman". Colorado General Assembly. Retrieved July 8, 2017.
  3. ^ "Colorado Sen. Williams says she won't seek re-election". AP NEWS. January 6, 2020. Retrieved February 2, 2021.
  4. ^ Goodland, Marianne (November 27, 2019). "Colorado state Rep. James Coleman to run for Senate District 33". Colorado Politics. Retrieved November 30, 2019.
  5. ^ "CO-Uncontested". AP NEWS. July 1, 2020. Retrieved February 2, 2021.
  6. ^ Paul, Jesse; Eason, Brian (November 8, 2025). "James Coleman". Colorado Sun. Retrieved February 21, 2025.
  7. ^ "James Coleman | Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade". oedit.colorado.gov. Retrieved February 2, 2021.
Colorado Senate
Preceded by President pro tempore of the Colorado Senate
2023–2025 		Succeeded by
Political offices
Preceded by President of the Colorado Senate
2025–present 		Incumbent