Ten years ago, the current Colorado Senate President never imagined he would be walking the halls of the State Capitol as its leader. In fact, he never even imagined running for office.
State Senate President James Coleman’s political journey began with a razor-thin losing margin on Election Night, only to wake up winning by a mere 84 votes. Today, he views his role not just as a career, but as a “ministry” and a deep obligation to the city that raised him.
His perspective on leadership is rooted in a “glass half full” upbringing marked by both struggle and grace.
After being expelled from Denver’s Smiley Middle School for fighting bullies, his life path was redirected by what he describes as a “blessing” rather than equity: a timely scholarship to a private school.
“My access to opportunity was based on chance, not equality or equity,” he reflects. “I want to make sure that people’s opportunities are based on the latter, not the former.”
This personal history drives his commitment to public service, a calling he views as an official capacity to serve people while remaining accountable to God and his 92-year-old grandmother, who still asks him, “What are you doing?” to ensure he stays focused on the work.
In an era of deep political polarization, Coleman practices a style of bipartisan leadership centered on physical presence. He makes it a point to visit all 34 other senators in their own districts, from Grand Junction to the Eastern Plains.
He believes that to truly understand a colleague’s “why,” one must see their neighbors, schools, and businesses firsthand.
“The only way that you can really truly understand a person is if you see where they’re coming from… physically go to see where they’re coming from,” he notes, emphasizing that relationships are what move legislative work forward.
For Coleman, community-based organizations like Faith Bridge are essential because they humanize the data and legal terminology found in bills. These organizations prevent leaders from becoming disconnected, ensuring that policy is informed by “everyday people” rather than just the “ecosystem” of the Capitol lobby.
This commitment to community is perhaps most visible in the third annual Black Student Excellence Award. Co-created to celebrate academic achievement, the event provides ninth graders through high-school seniors with certificates and monetary awards.
He recalls how, as a child, meeting former Denver Mayor Wellington Webb opened his eyes to what was possible. Now, he wants to provide that same representation: “As a Black high school student… I need you to know I see you… and we’re proud of you.”
As the upcoming legislative session approaches, Coleman, a Democrat, identifies affordability as the most urgent issue facing Coloradans. With a focus on passing a balanced budget, he aims to address the rising costs of basic needs, including K-12 education funding, healthcare and Medicaid access and the cost of food, rent and house payments.
Despite the high-pressure environment, he remains an introvert who finds energy in genuine conversation and seeing people benefit from his work. He is dedicated to making the Capitol building — which he himself didn’t visit until age 25 — accessible to everyone.
He wants young leaders to view the “regal” committee rooms as nothing more than spaces for solutions, much like a school lunchroom. His ultimate goal is to be remembered as a uniter who used his opportunity to create space for others.
“It is after all the people’s house,” he said. “Nobody is more important than another.”
Brittany Winkfield is the director of the Colorado Ethnic Media Exchange and President of the Board of Directors of Aurora Sentinel Community Media, the parent organization of the Sentinel.