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{{Infobox officeholder
{{Use mdy dates|date=September 2020}}
{{Infobox State Representative
| image = [[File:KS D37 Rep Aaron Coleman.jpg]]
| imagesize = 150px
| name = Aaron Coleman
| name = Aaron Coleman
| state_house = Kansas
| state = Kansas
| district = 37th
| term_start = January 11, 2021
| preceded = [[Stan Frownfelter]]
| party = [[Independent politician|Independent]]<ref>{{cite web |title=New Kansas Representative changes affiliation from Democrat to Independent |url=https://www.kmbc.com/article/new-kansas-representative-aaron-coleman-changes-affiliation-democrat-independent/35192452# |publisher=KMBC 9 |access-date=13 January 2021}}</ref>
| party = [[Independent politician|Independent]]<ref>{{cite web |title=New Kansas Representative changes affiliation from Democrat to Independent |url=https://www.kmbc.com/article/new-kansas-representative-aaron-coleman-changes-affiliation-democrat-independent/35192452# |publisher=KMBC 9 |access-date=13 January 2021}}</ref>
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|2000|9|20}}
| state_house1 = Kansas
| birth_place = [[Kansas City, Kansas]], US
| district1 = 37th
| death_date =
| birth_place = [[Kansas City, Kansas]], U.S.
| death_place =
| term_start1 = January 11, 2021
| spouse =
| succeeding1 = [[Stan Frownfelter]]
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|2000|9|20}}{{citation needed|date = November 2020}}
| occupation =
| alma_mater =
| religion =
| website = {{URL|kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/members/rep_coleman_aaron_1/|State Legislative Website}}
}}
}}


'''Aaron Coleman''' (born September 9, 2000) is the newly elected Representative for District 37, of the [[Kansas House of Representatives]], and was sworn in on January 11, 2021. District 37 covers the [[Turner, Kansas|Turner]] neighborhood and parts of the [[Argentine, Kansas|Argentine]] neighborhood of [[Kansas City, Kansas|Kansas City]], in [[Wyandotte County, Kansas|Wyandotte County]].<ref>[https://insurancenewsnet.com/oarticle/kansas-candidate-with-a-troubled-past-and-ambitious-platform-change-agent-or-pariah Kansas candidate with a troubled past and ambitious platform: Change agent or pariah?], ''[[Kansas City Star]]'', ''[[Kansas City, Missouri]]'' October 28, 2020.</ref>
'''Aaron Coleman''' (born September 9, 2000) is the [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democratic]] Representative-elect of the [[Kansas House of Representatives]] representing the 37th district, which covers the [[Turner, Kansas|Turner]] neighborhood and parts of the [[Argentine, Kansas|Argentine]] neighborhood of [[Kansas City, Kansas|Kansas City]], in [[Wyandotte County, Kansas|Wyandotte County]].<ref>[https://insurancenewsnet.com/oarticle/kansas-candidate-with-a-troubled-past-and-ambitious-platform-change-agent-or-pariah Kansas candidate with a troubled past and ambitious platform: Change agent or pariah?], ''[[Kansas City Star]]'', ''[[Kansas City, Missouri]]'' October 28, 2020.</ref>


Coleman has received criticism after admitting to [[Cyberbullying|online bullying]], [[blackmail]] and [[revenge porn]] in middle school, and threatening to kill a girl in high school. Also, he allegedly beat and choked his girlfriend while running for Kansas legislature, and allegedly stalked his political opponent's female campaign manager during his 2020 campaign. On January 12th, one day after assuming office, [[Kansas Democratic Party|Kansas Democratic Party officials]] filed a complaint in an attempt to remove him as the District 37 Representative.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Gartner|first=Alex|date=January 12, 2021|title=Kansas Democrats try to oust new Rep. Coleman|work=[[KSNT]]|url=https://www.ksnt.com/capitol-bureau/democrats-try-to-oust-new-rep-coleman/|url-status=live|access-date=January 13, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210113041425/https://www.ksnt.com/capitol-bureau/democrats-try-to-oust-new-rep-coleman/|archive-date=January 13, 2021}}</ref>
Coleman has received criticism after admitting to [[Cyberbullying|online bullying]], [[blackmail]] and [[revenge porn]] in middle school, and threatening to kill a girl in high school. Also, he allegedly beat and choked his girlfriend while running for Kansas legislature, and allegedly stalked his political opponent's female campaign manager during his 2020 campaign. On January 12th, one day after assuming office, [[Kansas Democratic Party|Kansas Democratic Party officials]] filed a complaint in an attempt to remove him as the District 37 Representative.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Gartner|first=Alex|date=January 12, 2021|title=Kansas Democrats try to oust new Rep. Coleman|work=[[KSNT]]|url=https://www.ksnt.com/capitol-bureau/democrats-try-to-oust-new-rep-coleman/|url-status=live|access-date=January 13, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210113041425/https://www.ksnt.com/capitol-bureau/democrats-try-to-oust-new-rep-coleman/|archive-date=January 13, 2021}}</ref>


==Career==
==Career==
In 2017, at the age of 17 and even though he hadn't yet finished high school, Coleman ran unsuccessfully for [[Kansas Governor]] as a write-in Independent candidate.<ref>Clarkin, Mary. [https://www.hutchnews.com/news/20171227/high-school-dropout-running-for-governor High school dropout running for governor], ''[[Hutchinson News]]'', December 27, 2017.</ref> In 2018, he ran for the Kansas City, Kansas Board of Public Utilities.
In 2017, as a seventeen year old high school dropout, Coleman ran for [[Kansas Governor]] as a write-in independent candidate.<ref>Clarkin, Mary. [https://www.hutchnews.com/news/20171227/high-school-dropout-running-for-governor High school dropout running for governor], ''[[Hutchinson News]]'', December 27, 2017.</ref> In 2018, he ran for the Kansas City, Kansas Board of Public Utilities.


In 2020, he ran, and defeated seven-term [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democratic]] incumbent [[Stan Frownfelter]] in the district's Democratic primary in an upset victory, Coleman, then only 19, won by just 14 votes.
In 2020, he defeated seven-term [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democratic]] incumbent [[Stan Frownfelter]] in the district's Democratic primary in an upset victory. Coleman, then 19, won by just 14 votes. He also won the general election, making him one of the youngest members of the Kansas state legislature.


⚫
He ran on a platform of supporting abortion up to the moment of birth, eliminating college tuition, [[Defund the police|defunding the police]], [[Medicare for all]], legalizing [[Cannabis (drug)|cannabis]], and supporting the [[Green New Deal]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.kansascity.com/news/politics-government/election/article246893407.html |title= Wyandotte County looks to elect progressive with history of troubling behavior |website=The Kansas City Star |date=November 3, 2020}}</ref><ref name="APHanna08142020">Hanna, John. [https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-ap-top-news-health-media-kansas-ac948dae17c3dbc36ffe62246925c4f3 Teen leading in Kansas race admits blackmail, revenge porn], ''[[Associated Press]]'', August 14, 2020.</ref>
⚫
{{Election box begin no change|title=Kansas House of Representatives 37th District 2020 Democratic Primary<ref>{{cite web|author=Maggie Gebhardt |url=https://www.kshb.com/news/election-2020/wyandotte-county-election-board-certifies-win-for-19-year-old |title=Wyandotte County election board certifies win for 19-year-old |publisher=kshb.com |date=August 17, 2020 |accessdate=August 17, 2020}}</ref>}}
{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change|candidate=Aaron Coleman|party=Democratic Party (United States)|votes=823|percentage=49.8%}}
{{Election box candidate with party link no change|candidate=Stan Frownfelter (incumbent)|party=Democratic Party (United States)|votes=809|percentage=49.0%}}
⚫
{{Election box total no change|votes=1,652|percentage=100.00}}
⚫
{{Election box end}}


⚫
==Abuse allegations==
After his primary victory, his past history generated significant controversy, leading to him admitting, that at the age of 12 years old, to an incident of [[revenge porn]] in middle school.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.kshb.com/news/election-2020/20-year-old-who-admitted-to-sexual-harassment-elected-to-kansas-house-of-representatives|title=20-year-old who admitted to sexual harassment elected to Kansas House of Representatives|date=November 4, 2020|website=KSHB}}</ref> He has admitted to bullying, extortion, and threats of physical violence also at his middle school.<ref name="CutLampen11042020">Lampen, Claire. [https://www.thecut.com/2020/11/aaron-coleman-admits-to-revenge-porn-still-wins-kansas-race.html Aaron Coleman, Revenge Porn Perpetrator, Officially Elected to Kansas House], ''[[The Cut (website)|The Cut]]'', November 4, 2020.</ref> The ''[[Kansas City Star]]'' reported that in May 2015, when Coleman was 14, he was arrested and charged for threatening to shoot a girl at another high school.<ref name="CutLampen11042020"/><ref name="HannaJ12082020"/> Coleman pleaded guilty in the criminal case in which he threatened to go to the girl's high school, shoot her, and turn the gun on himself.<ref name="BerganKCTV11062020">Bergan, Shain. [https://www.kctv5.com/politics/state-rep-elect-from-kck-vows-to-call-out-a-hit-on-kansas-governor-says/article_037d3d6e-2026-11eb-95b4-8b128bc61d2e.html State Rep-elect from KCK vows to "call out a hit" on Kansas governor, says 2022 primary will be "extremely bloody"], ''[[KCTV|KCTV Channel 5, Kansas City, Missouri]]'', November 6, 2020.</ref> He was initially charged with a felony count of making a criminal threat but later pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge of harassment.<ref name="HannaJ12082020"/>


While running for state legislature in December 2019, at the age of 19, Coleman's girlfriend indicated that Coleman choked her, hit her, and told her to kill herself.<ref>Grim, Ryan. [https://theintercept.com/2020/08/25/aaron-coleman-ex-girlfriend-assault/?utm_campaign=theintercept&utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=social Aaron Coleman's Ex-girlfriend says he slapped and choked her in the part year], ''[[The Intercept]]'', August 25, 2020.</ref> The ''Topeka Capitol-Journal'' reported he texted her, saying, "I hope you get abducted raped chopped up and have ya pieces scattered and Burnt in different locations."<ref name="APAbusive08272020">[https://apnews.com/article/d6ea4066903abd8ef70d60bebe6c8a3c "Ex-girlfriend: Kansas House candidate was abusive last year"], ''Associated Press'', August 27, 2020. Retrieved November 21, 2020.</ref> Furthermore, Coleman texted her, "If you get pregnant, I will have to kill you and the baby."<ref name="APAbusive08272020"/>
He went on win the general election by 2,427 votes, making him one of the youngest members of the Kansas state legislature.<ref>{{cite web|author=Kansas House of Representatives |url=http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2021_22/members/rep_coleman_aaron_1/ |title=Kansas State Representative Aaron Coleman Legislative Page |publisher=kslegislature.org |date=January 14, 2021 |accessdate=January 14, 2021}}</ref>


⚫
Coleman apologized for his actions, blaming child abuse from his elementary school teachers. On June 17, 2020, Coleman said, on [[Facebook]], that he spent “the vast majority” of his elementary school education “in a closet” instead of getting proper help at school. Coleman claims that he was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder at 15.<ref name="APHanna08142020"/> [[Turner, Kansas|Turner USD #202 school district]], where Coleman went to elementary school, stated that they do not “put kids in closets”, denying Coleman's allegation.<ref name="APHanna08142020"/>
{{Election box begin no change|title=Kansas House of Representatives 37th District 2020 General Election<ref>{{cite web|author=Kansas Secretary of State |url=https://sos.ks.gov/elections/elections.html |title=Kansas 2020 General Election Results |publisher=sos.ks.gov |date=December 1, 2020 |accessdate=January 14, 2021}}</ref>}}
{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change|candidate=Aaron Coleman|party=Democratic Party (United States)|votes=3,649|percentage=66.45%}}
{{Election box candidate with party link no change|candidate=Stan Frownfelter (Write-in)|party=Democratic Party (United States)|votes=1,222|percentage=22.25%}}
{{Election box candidate with party link no change|candidate=Kristina Smith (Write-in)|party=Republican Party (United States)|votes=620|percentage=11.29%}}
⚫
{{Election box total no change|votes=5,491|percentage=100.00}}
{{Election box end}}


⚫
The ''[[Kansas City Star]]'' reported that in August 2020, during the campaign, Coleman said to former Republican state lawmaker John Whitmer that he would "laugh and giggle when you get COVID and die".<ref name="APHanna08142020"/><ref name="Carpenter07312020">{{Cite web|date=July 31, 2020|title='Mask it or casket': Democratic House candidate hopes GOP stricken by COVID-19|url=https://kansasreflector.com/2020/07/31/mask-it-or-casket-democratic-house-candidate-hopes-gop-stricken-by-covid-19/|access-date=November 20, 2020|website=Kansas Reflector|language=en-US}}</ref>
⚫
Coleman claimed Whitmer was repeating anti-mask “conspiracy theories”.<ref name="Carpenter07312020"/> He said he would laugh because it like when someone talking on a cellphone while driving gets into an automobile accident.<ref name="Carpenter07312020"/>


⚫
On December 4, 2020, Kathleen Lynch, a [[Wyandotte County, Kansas]] judge, issued a temporary anti-stalking order (no-contact order) against Coleman after Brandie Armstrong, the campaign manager for Frownfelter, accused Coleman of harassment by sending her harassing messages, showing up at her home uninvited twice, and attempting to get her evicted. The two later reached an agreement after the case and order was dismissed.<ref name="KMBC12092020">[https://www.kmbc.com/article/kansas-city-kansas-lawmaker-to-be-aaron-coleman-under-order-not-to-contact-foes-aide/34917368 Kansas City, Kansas, lawmaker-to-be under order not to contact foe's aide], ''[[KMBC-TV|KMBC TV Channel 9]]'', [[Kansas City, Missouri]], December 9, 2020.</ref><ref name="HannaJ12082020">{{cite news |last=Hanna |first=John |date=December 8, 2020 |title=Kansas lawmaker-to-be under order not to contact foe's aide |url=https://www.chron.com/news/article/Kansas-lawmaker-to-be-under-order-not-to-contact-15786018.php |work=[[Houston Chronicle]] |location=[[Houston, Texas]] |publisher=Associated Press |access-date=December 29, 2020}}</ref><ref>Associated Press. [https://kansaspublicradio.org/kpr-news/headlines-saturday-january-2-2021 Headlines for Saturday, January 2, 2021], ''[[Kansas Public Radio]]'', [[Lawrence, Kansas]], January 2, 2021. Retrieved January 2, 2021.</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Hanna|first=John|last2=Writer|first2=Ap Political|date=2021-01-07|title=Lawyer: New Kansas lawmaker reaches deal to end court order|url=https://www.thetelegraph.com/news/article/Lawyer-New-Kansas-lawmaker-reaches-deal-to-end-15852712.php|access-date=2021-01-07|website=Alton Telegraph|language=en-US}}</ref>
⚫
He ran on a platform of supporting abortion up to the moment of birth, eliminating college tuition, [[Defund the police|defunding the police]], [[Medicare for all]], legalizing [[Cannabis (drug)|cannabis]], and supporting the [[Green New Deal]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.kansascity.com/news/politics-government/election/article246893407.html |title= Wyandotte County looks to elect progressive with history of troubling behavior |website=The Kansas City Star |date=November 3, 2020}}</ref>

⚫
==Abuse allegations==
After his primary victory, his past history generated significant controversy, leading to him admitting [[revenge porn]] in middle school at the age of 12 years old.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.kshb.com/news/election-2020/20-year-old-who-admitted-to-sexual-harassment-elected-to-kansas-house-of-representatives|title=20-year-old who admitted to sexual harassment elected to Kansas House of Representatives|date=November 4, 2020|website=KSHB}}</ref> The ''[[Kansas City Star]]'' reported that in May 2015, when Coleman was 14, he was arrested and charged for threatening to shoot a girl at another high school, although the chargs were later dropped. Coleman pleaded guilty in the criminal case in which he threatened to go to the girl's high school, shoot her, and turn the gun on himself.

⚫
Coleman apologized for his actions, blaming child abuse from his elementary school teachers. On June 17, 2020, Coleman said, on [[Facebook]], that he spent “the vast majority” of his elementary school education “in a closet” instead of getting proper help at school. Coleman claims that he was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder at 15. [[Turner, Kansas|Turner USD #202 school district]], where Coleman went to elementary school, stated that they do not “put kids in closets”, denying Coleman's allegation.

⚫
The ''[[Kansas City Star]]'' reported that in August 2020, during the campaign, Coleman said to former Republican state lawmaker John Whitmer that he would "laugh and giggle when you get COVID and die".<ref name="Carpenter07312020">{{Cite web|date=July 31, 2020|title='Mask it or casket': Democratic House candidate hopes GOP stricken by COVID-19|url=https://kansasreflector.com/2020/07/31/mask-it-or-casket-democratic-house-candidate-hopes-gop-stricken-by-covid-19/|access-date=November 20, 2020|website=Kansas Reflector|language=en-US}}</ref>
⚫
Coleman claimed Whitmer was repeating anti-mask “conspiracy theories”.<ref name="Carpenter07312020"/> He said he would laugh because it was like when someone talking on a cellphone while driving gets into an automobile accident.<ref name="Carpenter07312020"/>

⚫
On December 4, 2020, Kathleen Lynch, a [[Wyandotte County, Kansas]] judge, issued a temporary anti-stalking order (no-contact order) against Coleman after Brandie Armstrong, the campaign manager for Frownfelter, accused Coleman of harassment by sending her harassing messages, showing up at her home uninvited twice, and attempting to get her evicted. The two later reached an agreement after the case and order was dismissed.<ref name="KMBC12092020">[https://www.kmbc.com/article/kansas-city-kansas-lawmaker-to-be-aaron-coleman-under-order-not-to-contact-foes-aide/34917368 Kansas City, Kansas, lawmaker-to-be under order not to contact foe's aide], ''[[KMBC-TV|KMBC TV Channel 9]]'', [[Kansas City, Missouri]], December 9, 2020.</ref>


On December 21, 2020, seven recently elected female Democratic state legislators signed a letter calling on Coleman to resign before he takes office on January 11, 2021. The seven women legislators included [[Jennifer Day]], Mari Lynn Poskin, [[Stephanie Byers]], Linda Featherston, Christina Haswood, Jo Ella Hoye, and Lindsay Vaughn.<ref name="KMBC12222020">[https://www.kmbc.com/article/new-kansas-lawmakers-democratic-leaders-demand-resignation-of-state-rep-elect-aaron-coleman/35034264 New Kansas lawmakers, Democratic leaders demand resignation of State Rep.-elect Aaron Coleman], ''[[KMBC-TV|KMBC TV Channel 9]]'', [[Kansas City, Missouri]], December 22, 2020.</ref>
On December 21, 2020, seven recently elected female Democratic state legislators signed a letter calling on Coleman to resign before he takes office on January 11, 2021. The seven women legislators included [[Jennifer Day]], Mari Lynn Poskin, [[Stephanie Byers]], Linda Featherston, Christina Haswood, Jo Ella Hoye, and Lindsay Vaughn.<ref name="KMBC12222020">[https://www.kmbc.com/article/new-kansas-lawmakers-democratic-leaders-demand-resignation-of-state-rep-elect-aaron-coleman/35034264 New Kansas lawmakers, Democratic leaders demand resignation of State Rep.-elect Aaron Coleman], ''[[KMBC-TV|KMBC TV Channel 9]]'', [[Kansas City, Missouri]], December 22, 2020.</ref>


==Conflict with the Kansas Democratic Party==
==Conflict with the Kansas Democratic Party==
After being pushed to do so, [[Stan Frownfelter]] announced he would run a write-in campaign in response to Coleman admitting to [[Cyberbullying|online bullying]], [[blackmail]] and [[revenge porn]]. Coleman initially dropped out after being pressured to, but later reversed his decision, and got back in the race.<ref>[https://www.kansas.com/news/politics-government/election/article245238050.html Embattled teen candidate for Kansas House reverses decision, says he’ll stay in race], ''[[Wichita Eagle]]'', August 25, 2020.</ref> [[Tom Sawyer (Kansas politician)|Tom Sawyer]], the Kansas House Minority Leader, supported Frownfelter's write-in campaign, as did Democratic [[List of governors of Kansas|Kansas Governor]] [[Laura Kelly]]. Another candidate, Kristina Smith, a paralegal and treasurer of the [[Kansas Republican Party|Wyandotte County Republican Party]], also pursued a write-in campaign.<ref>[https://www.kansascity.com/news/politics-government/election/article245042675.html After controversial teenager wins Kansas House primary, two write-in efforts emerge], ''[[Kansas City Star]]'', August 18, 2020.</ref> The [[Young Democrats of America|Kansas Young Democrats]] endorsed Frownfelter and condemned Coleman.<ref name="WyandotteDay08052020">Rupert, Mary. [http://wyandottedaily.com/election-night-totals-shocking-to-rep-frownfelter/ Election night totals shocking to Rep. Frownfelter], ''Wyandotte Daily.com'', August 5, 2020.</ref> Coleman defeated Frownfelter's and Smith's write-in campaigns in the general election on November 3, 2020 by a huge margin.
Frownfelter announced he would run a write-in campaign in response to Coleman admitting to [[Cyberbullying|online bullying]], [[blackmail]] and [[revenge porn]].<ref name="HannaAP08172020">Hanna, John. [https://apnews.com/f48e9e7b7f82aa29c0dae0fd62cc9d6d Kansas candidate admitting to revenge porn faces write-in], ''[[Associated Press]]'', August 17, 2020.</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Kansas candidate who admitted to revenge porn drops out|url=https://news.yahoo.com/kansas-candidate-admitted-revenge-porn-201111133.html|accessdate=August 24, 2020|website=news.yahoo.com|publisher=AP}}</ref> Coleman initially dropped out after being pressured to, but later reversed his decision, and got back in the race.<ref>[https://www.kansas.com/news/politics-government/election/article245238050.html Embattled teen candidate for Kansas House reverses decision, says he’ll stay in race], ''[[Wichita Eagle]]'', August 25, 2020.</ref> [[Tom Sawyer (Kansas politician)|Tom Sawyer]], the Kansas House Minority Leader, supported Frownfelter's write-in campaign, as did Democratic [[List of governors of Kansas|Kansas Governor]] [[Laura Kelly]].<ref name="HannaAP08172020" /> Another candidate, Kristina Smith, a paralegal and treasurer of the [[Kansas Republican Party|Wyandotte County Republican Party]], also pursued a write-in campaign.<ref>[https://www.kansascity.com/news/politics-government/election/article245042675.html After controversial teenager wins Kansas House primary, two write-in efforts emerge], ''[[Kansas City Star]]'', August 18, 2020.</ref> The [[Young Democrats of America|Kansas Young Democrats]] endorsed Frownfelter and condemned Coleman.<ref name="WyandotteDay08052020">Rupert, Mary. [http://wyandottedaily.com/election-night-totals-shocking-to-rep-frownfelter/ Election night totals shocking to Rep. Frownfelter], ''Wyandotte Daily.com'', August 5, 2020.</ref> Coleman defeated Frownfelter's and Smith's write-in campaigns in the general election on November 3, 2020.


After the November 2020 election, Coleman stated Democratic Kansas Governor [[Laura Kelly]] would face an “extremely bloody” Democratic primary race in two years.<ref>Bergan, Shain. [https://www.kctv5.com/politics/state-rep-elect-from-kck-vows-to-call-out-a-hit-on-kansas-governor-says/article_037d3d6e-2026-11eb-95b4-8b128bc61d2e.html State Rep-elect from KCK vows to "call out a hit" on Kansas governor, says 2022 primary will be "extremely bloody"], ''[[KCTV|KCTV Channel 5, Kansas City, Missouri]]'', November 6, 2020.</ref> Coleman has said that his tweet was not a call for physical violence against the Governor, and later clarified that he meant his statement as a "political" hit.<ref name="MoralesLondonInd11062020">Morales, Christina. [https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-election/aaron-coleman-democrat-revenge-porn-bullying-b1719214.html Aaron Coleman: Democrat who admitted to revenge porn and bullying wins state house seat], ''London Independent'', November 9, 2020.</ref> Identifying as a democratic socialist, Coleman believes that Kelly's moderate political positions do not appeal to the Democratic left-wing. Lauren Fitzgerald, a spokeswoman for Kelly, has said that Coleman is not fit to sit in the legislature.
On Twitter after the November 2020 election, Coleman stated Democratic Kansas Governor [[Laura Kelly]] would face an “extremely bloody” Democratic primary race in two years.<ref>Bergan, Shain. [https://www.kctv5.com/politics/state-rep-elect-from-kck-vows-to-call-out-a-hit-on-kansas-governor-says/article_037d3d6e-2026-11eb-95b4-8b128bc61d2e.html State Rep-elect from KCK vows to "call out a hit" on Kansas governor, says 2022 primary will be "extremely bloody"], ''[[KCTV|KCTV Channel 5, Kansas City, Missouri]]'', November 6, 2020.</ref> Coleman has said that his tweet was not a call for physical violence against the Governor.<ref name="MoralesLondonInd11062020">Morales, Christina. [https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-election/aaron-coleman-democrat-revenge-porn-bullying-b1719214.html Aaron Coleman: Democrat who admitted to revenge porn and bullying wins state house seat], ''London Independent'', November 9, 2020.</ref> Identifying as a democratic socialist, Coleman believes that Kelly's moderate political positions do not appeal to the Democratic left-wing.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Vickers|first=Nathan|title=Kansas Democrats could oust 20-year-old candidate following 'hit' tweet directed at Gov. Kelly|url=https://www.kctv5.com/news/local_news/kansas-democrats-could-oust-20-year-old-candidate-following-hit-tweet-directed-at-gov-kelly/article_02fda380-208d-11eb-9c17-9fb3c71a762e.html|access-date=2020-11-19|website=KCTV Kansas City|language=en}}</ref> Lauren Fitzgerald, a spokeswoman for Kelly, has said that Coleman is not fit to sit in the legislature.<ref name="APHanna08142020"/> Kansas Democratic leaders, including Tom Sawyer, have indicated that they will take steps to keep Coleman from getting seated in the legislature.<ref name="MoralesLondonInd11062020">Morales, Christina. [https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-election/aaron-coleman-democrat-revenge-porn-bullying-b1719214.html Aaron Coleman: Democrat who admitted to revenge porn and bullying wins state house seat], ''London Independent'', November 9, 2020.</ref> Sawyer and state chair Vicki Hiatt said Democrats in the House will file a complaint against Coleman when he is sworn in and work for the two-thirds vote in the Kansas House required to remove Coleman.<ref name="BerganKCTV11062020"/> Jacques Barber, [[Kansas Democratic Party|Wyandotte County Democratic Party]] chair, said that they should not try to remove him, but to give him guidance.<ref name="APHanna08142020"/> Republican Kansas House [[Speaker (politics)|Speaker]] [[Ron Ryckman, Jr.]] said to the ''Kansas City Star'' he would be "leery of an attempt to override the vote".<ref>Fordham, Evie. [https://www.foxnews.com/politics/kansas-state-house-election-revenge-porn-aaron-coleman Kansas Democrat, 20, who admitted to 'revenge porn,' wins House state race], ''[[FOX News]]'', November 9, 2020. Retrieved November 20, 2020.</ref> Ryckman later added the House would be punishing Coleman for conduct before Coleman took office, overturning the decision of the voters.<ref name="KMBC12092020"/> On December 31, 2020, House Minority Leader [[Tom Sawyer (Kansas politician)|Tom Sawyer]], said Coleman would be denied committee seat assignments in the incoming legislature.<ref name=ouster>[https://apnews.com/article/election-2020-legislature-kansas-city-media-kansas-1e2ba7adb2d9f717127f6f75aa318774 New Kansas lawmaker under court order denied committee seats], ''[[Associated Press]]'', John Hanna, December 31, 2020. Retrieved January 2, 2021.</ref> Sawyer and seven incoming female House Democratic members have asked Coleman to resign before the new legislature is seated on January 11, 2021.<ref name=ouster/> Democrats have signaled an intent to file a complaint against Coleman requesting an investigation of the issues including threats he is alleged to have made after winning the November 2020 election. To expel him from the House would require a two-thirds majority, or 84 of 125 seats in the heavily Republican House.<ref name=ouster/>

Kansas Democratic leaders, including Tom Sawyer, have indicated that they will take steps to keep Coleman from getting seated in the legislature. Sawyer and state chair Vicki Hiatt said Democrats in the House will file a complaint against Coleman when he is sworn in and work for the two-thirds vote in the Kansas House required to remove Coleman. Jacques Barber, [[Kansas Democratic Party|Wyandotte County Democratic Party]] chair, said that they should not try to remove him, but to give him guidance. Republican Kansas House [[Speaker (politics)|Speaker]] [[Ron Ryckman, Jr.]] said to the ''Kansas City Star'' he would be "leery of an attempt to override the vote". Ryckman later added the House would be punishing Coleman for conduct before Coleman took office, overturning the decision of the voters. On December 31, 2020, House Minority Leader [[Tom Sawyer (Kansas politician)|Tom Sawyer]], said Coleman would be denied committee seat assignments in the incoming legislature.<ref name=ouster>[https://apnews.com/article/election-2020-legislature-kansas-city-media-kansas-1e2ba7adb2d9f717127f6f75aa318774 New Kansas lawmaker under court order denied committee seats], ''[[Associated Press]]'', John Hanna, December 31, 2020. Retrieved January 2, 2021.</ref> Sawyer and seven incoming female House Democratic members have asked Coleman to resign before the new legislature is seated on January 11, 2021.<ref name=ouster/> Democrats have signaled an intent to file a complaint against Coleman requesting an investigation of the issues including threats he is alleged to have made after winning the November 2020 election. To expel him from the House would require a two-thirds majority, or 84 of 125 seats in the heavily Republican House.<ref name=ouster/>


⚫
{{Election box begin no change
⚫
|title=Kansas House of Representatives 37th District 2020 Democratic Primary<ref>{{cite web|author=Maggie Gebhardt |url=https://www.kshb.com/news/election-2020/wyandotte-county-election-board-certifies-win-for-19-year-old |title=Wyandotte County election board certifies win for 19-year-old |publisher=kshb.com |date=August 17, 2020 |accessdate=August 17, 2020}}</ref>}}
{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change
|candidate=Aaron Coleman
|party=Democratic Party (United States)
|votes=823
|percentage=49.8%
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link no change
|candidate=Stan Frownfelter (incumbent)
|party=Democratic Party (United States)
|votes=809
|percentage=49.0%
}}
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{{Election box total no change|votes=1,652|percentage=100.00
}}
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{{Election box end}}


==Private life==
==Private life==

Revision as of 16:43, 14 January 2021

Aaron Coleman
Member-elect of the Kansas House of Representatives
from the 37th district
Assuming office
January 11, 2021
SucceedingStan Frownfelter
Personal details
Born (2000-09-20) September 20, 2000 (age 23)[citation needed]
Kansas City, Kansas, U.S.
Political partyIndependent[1]

Aaron Coleman (born September 9, 2000) is the Democratic Representative-elect of the Kansas House of Representatives representing the 37th district, which covers the Turner neighborhood and parts of the Argentine neighborhood of Kansas City, in Wyandotte County.[2]

Coleman has received criticism after admitting to online bullying, blackmail and revenge porn in middle school, and threatening to kill a girl in high school. Also, he allegedly beat and choked his girlfriend while running for Kansas legislature, and allegedly stalked his political opponent's female campaign manager during his 2020 campaign. On January 12th, one day after assuming office, Kansas Democratic Party officials filed a complaint in an attempt to remove him as the District 37 Representative.[3]

Career

In 2017, as a seventeen year old high school dropout, Coleman ran for Kansas Governor as a write-in independent candidate.[4] In 2018, he ran for the Kansas City, Kansas Board of Public Utilities.

In 2020, he defeated seven-term Democratic incumbent Stan Frownfelter in the district's Democratic primary in an upset victory. Coleman, then 19, won by just 14 votes. He also won the general election, making him one of the youngest members of the Kansas state legislature.

He ran on a platform of supporting abortion up to the moment of birth, eliminating college tuition, defunding the police, Medicare for all, legalizing cannabis, and supporting the Green New Deal.[5][6]

Abuse allegations

After his primary victory, his past history generated significant controversy, leading to him admitting, that at the age of 12 years old, to an incident of revenge porn in middle school.[7] He has admitted to bullying, extortion, and threats of physical violence also at his middle school.[8] The Kansas City Star reported that in May 2015, when Coleman was 14, he was arrested and charged for threatening to shoot a girl at another high school.[8][9] Coleman pleaded guilty in the criminal case in which he threatened to go to the girl's high school, shoot her, and turn the gun on himself.[10] He was initially charged with a felony count of making a criminal threat but later pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge of harassment.[9]

While running for state legislature in December 2019, at the age of 19, Coleman's girlfriend indicated that Coleman choked her, hit her, and told her to kill herself.[11] The Topeka Capitol-Journal reported he texted her, saying, "I hope you get abducted raped chopped up and have ya pieces scattered and Burnt in different locations."[12] Furthermore, Coleman texted her, "If you get pregnant, I will have to kill you and the baby."[12]

Coleman apologized for his actions, blaming child abuse from his elementary school teachers. On June 17, 2020, Coleman said, on Facebook, that he spent “the vast majority” of his elementary school education “in a closet” instead of getting proper help at school. Coleman claims that he was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder at 15.[6] Turner USD #202 school district, where Coleman went to elementary school, stated that they do not “put kids in closets”, denying Coleman's allegation.[6]

The Kansas City Star reported that in August 2020, during the campaign, Coleman said to former Republican state lawmaker John Whitmer that he would "laugh and giggle when you get COVID and die".[6][13] Coleman claimed Whitmer was repeating anti-mask “conspiracy theories”.[13] He said he would laugh because it like when someone talking on a cellphone while driving gets into an automobile accident.[13]

On December 4, 2020, Kathleen Lynch, a Wyandotte County, Kansas judge, issued a temporary anti-stalking order (no-contact order) against Coleman after Brandie Armstrong, the campaign manager for Frownfelter, accused Coleman of harassment by sending her harassing messages, showing up at her home uninvited twice, and attempting to get her evicted. The two later reached an agreement after the case and order was dismissed.[14][9][15][16]

On December 21, 2020, seven recently elected female Democratic state legislators signed a letter calling on Coleman to resign before he takes office on January 11, 2021. The seven women legislators included Jennifer Day, Mari Lynn Poskin, Stephanie Byers, Linda Featherston, Christina Haswood, Jo Ella Hoye, and Lindsay Vaughn.[17]

Conflict with the Kansas Democratic Party

Frownfelter announced he would run a write-in campaign in response to Coleman admitting to online bullying, blackmail and revenge porn.[18][19] Coleman initially dropped out after being pressured to, but later reversed his decision, and got back in the race.[20] Tom Sawyer, the Kansas House Minority Leader, supported Frownfelter's write-in campaign, as did Democratic Kansas Governor Laura Kelly.[18] Another candidate, Kristina Smith, a paralegal and treasurer of the Wyandotte County Republican Party, also pursued a write-in campaign.[21] The Kansas Young Democrats endorsed Frownfelter and condemned Coleman.[22] Coleman defeated Frownfelter's and Smith's write-in campaigns in the general election on November 3, 2020.

On Twitter after the November 2020 election, Coleman stated Democratic Kansas Governor Laura Kelly would face an “extremely bloody” Democratic primary race in two years.[23] Coleman has said that his tweet was not a call for physical violence against the Governor.[24] Identifying as a democratic socialist, Coleman believes that Kelly's moderate political positions do not appeal to the Democratic left-wing.[25] Lauren Fitzgerald, a spokeswoman for Kelly, has said that Coleman is not fit to sit in the legislature.[6] Kansas Democratic leaders, including Tom Sawyer, have indicated that they will take steps to keep Coleman from getting seated in the legislature.[24] Sawyer and state chair Vicki Hiatt said Democrats in the House will file a complaint against Coleman when he is sworn in and work for the two-thirds vote in the Kansas House required to remove Coleman.[10] Jacques Barber, Wyandotte County Democratic Party chair, said that they should not try to remove him, but to give him guidance.[6] Republican Kansas House Speaker Ron Ryckman, Jr. said to the Kansas City Star he would be "leery of an attempt to override the vote".[26] Ryckman later added the House would be punishing Coleman for conduct before Coleman took office, overturning the decision of the voters.[14] On December 31, 2020, House Minority Leader Tom Sawyer, said Coleman would be denied committee seat assignments in the incoming legislature.[27] Sawyer and seven incoming female House Democratic members have asked Coleman to resign before the new legislature is seated on January 11, 2021.[27] Democrats have signaled an intent to file a complaint against Coleman requesting an investigation of the issues including threats he is alleged to have made after winning the November 2020 election. To expel him from the House would require a two-thirds majority, or 84 of 125 seats in the heavily Republican House.[27]

Kansas House of Representatives 37th District 2020 Democratic Primary[28]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Aaron Coleman 823 49.8%
Democratic Stan Frownfelter (incumbent) 809 49.0%
Total votes 1,652 100.00

Private life

Coleman lives in the Turner section of Kansas City, Kansas with his mother. Coleman works as a dishwasher.[29] He attends Johnson County Community College in Overland Park, Kansas. He is Jewish.[30]

References

  1. ^ "New Kansas Representative changes affiliation from Democrat to Independent". KMBC 9. Retrieved 13 January 2021.
  2. ^ Kansas candidate with a troubled past and ambitious platform: Change agent or pariah?, Kansas City Star, Kansas City, Missouri October 28, 2020.
  3. ^ Gartner, Alex (January 12, 2021). "Kansas Democrats try to oust new Rep. Coleman". KSNT. Archived from the original on January 13, 2021. Retrieved January 13, 2021.
  4. ^ Clarkin, Mary. High school dropout running for governor, Hutchinson News, December 27, 2017.
  5. ^ "Wyandotte County looks to elect progressive with history of troubling behavior". The Kansas City Star. November 3, 2020.
  6. ^ a b c d e f Hanna, John. Teen leading in Kansas race admits blackmail, revenge porn, Associated Press, August 14, 2020.
  7. ^ "20-year-old who admitted to sexual harassment elected to Kansas House of Representatives". KSHB. November 4, 2020.
  8. ^ a b Lampen, Claire. Aaron Coleman, Revenge Porn Perpetrator, Officially Elected to Kansas House, The Cut, November 4, 2020.
  9. ^ a b c Hanna, John (December 8, 2020). "Kansas lawmaker-to-be under order not to contact foe's aide". Houston Chronicle. Houston, Texas: Associated Press. Retrieved December 29, 2020.
  10. ^ a b Bergan, Shain. State Rep-elect from KCK vows to "call out a hit" on Kansas governor, says 2022 primary will be "extremely bloody", KCTV Channel 5, Kansas City, Missouri, November 6, 2020.
  11. ^ Grim, Ryan. Aaron Coleman's Ex-girlfriend says he slapped and choked her in the part year, The Intercept, August 25, 2020.
  12. ^ a b "Ex-girlfriend: Kansas House candidate was abusive last year", Associated Press, August 27, 2020. Retrieved November 21, 2020.
  13. ^ a b c "'Mask it or casket': Democratic House candidate hopes GOP stricken by COVID-19". Kansas Reflector. July 31, 2020. Retrieved November 20, 2020.
  14. ^ a b Kansas City, Kansas, lawmaker-to-be under order not to contact foe's aide, KMBC TV Channel 9, Kansas City, Missouri, December 9, 2020.
  15. ^ Associated Press. Headlines for Saturday, January 2, 2021, Kansas Public Radio, Lawrence, Kansas, January 2, 2021. Retrieved January 2, 2021.
  16. ^ Hanna, John; Writer, Ap Political (2021-01-07). "Lawyer: New Kansas lawmaker reaches deal to end court order". Alton Telegraph. Retrieved 2021-01-07.
  17. ^ New Kansas lawmakers, Democratic leaders demand resignation of State Rep.-elect Aaron Coleman, KMBC TV Channel 9, Kansas City, Missouri, December 22, 2020.
  18. ^ a b Hanna, John. Kansas candidate admitting to revenge porn faces write-in, Associated Press, August 17, 2020.
  19. ^ "Kansas candidate who admitted to revenge porn drops out". news.yahoo.com. AP. Retrieved August 24, 2020.
  20. ^ Embattled teen candidate for Kansas House reverses decision, says he’ll stay in race, Wichita Eagle, August 25, 2020.
  21. ^ After controversial teenager wins Kansas House primary, two write-in efforts emerge, Kansas City Star, August 18, 2020.
  22. ^ Rupert, Mary. Election night totals shocking to Rep. Frownfelter, Wyandotte Daily.com, August 5, 2020.
  23. ^ Bergan, Shain. State Rep-elect from KCK vows to "call out a hit" on Kansas governor, says 2022 primary will be "extremely bloody", KCTV Channel 5, Kansas City, Missouri, November 6, 2020.
  24. ^ a b Morales, Christina. Aaron Coleman: Democrat who admitted to revenge porn and bullying wins state house seat, London Independent, November 9, 2020.
  25. ^ Vickers, Nathan. "Kansas Democrats could oust 20-year-old candidate following 'hit' tweet directed at Gov. Kelly". KCTV Kansas City. Retrieved 2020-11-19.
  26. ^ Fordham, Evie. Kansas Democrat, 20, who admitted to 'revenge porn,' wins House state race, FOX News, November 9, 2020. Retrieved November 20, 2020.
  27. ^ a b c New Kansas lawmaker under court order denied committee seats, Associated Press, John Hanna, December 31, 2020. Retrieved January 2, 2021.
  28. ^ Maggie Gebhardt (August 17, 2020). "Wyandotte County election board certifies win for 19-year-old". kshb.com. Retrieved August 17, 2020.
  29. ^ Maggie Gebhardt (August 17, 2020). "Wyandotte County election board certifies win for 19-year-old". kshb.com. Retrieved August 17, 2020.
  30. ^ Nahmias, Omri. [1], Jerusalem Post, August 10, 2020. Retrieved November 22, 2020.
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