Mike Coffman

Michael Harold Coffman is a former American politician and businessman who served as a U.S. Representative for Colorado's 6th congressional district from 2009 until 2019. A member of the Republican Party, Coffman has had a diverse career that includes roles as a state legislator, state treasurer, and secretary of state in Colorado. In addition to his political career, he is a veteran of both the U.S. Army and the U.S. Marine Corps. Following his tenure in Congress, Coffman was elected as the Mayor of Aurora, Colorado, in 2019.

Early life and career

Michael Coffman was born on March 19, 1955, at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. He is the son of Harold and Dorothy Coffman and is one of five siblings. His father served in the United States Army, which influenced Coffman's early life and career choices. In 1964, the family relocated to Aurora, Colorado, where Coffman spent much of his childhood.

At the age of 17, Coffman enlisted in the U.S. Army, beginning a military career that would span over two decades. He was assigned to a mechanized infantry battalion and earned his high school diploma through an Army program. After two years of active duty, he transitioned to the U.S. Army Reserve in 1974 to pursue higher education. Coffman attended the University of Colorado Boulder under the G.I. Bill, graduating in 1979 with a bachelor's degree in political science. He furthered his education by participating in special programs at Harvard University and the University of Veracruz in Mexico.

Upon completing his degree, Coffman transferred to the United States Marine Corps, where he became an infantry officer. He served on active duty until 1983, after which he transitioned to the Marine Reserve, continuing his military service until 1994. In 1983, he founded a property management company in Aurora, which he managed until 2000.

Coffman's political career began in the late 1980s when he was elected to the Colorado House of Representatives in 1988. He was re-elected in 1990, but during this term, he took an unpaid leave of absence to serve in the Persian Gulf War, where he saw combat as a light armored infantry officer and was awarded the Combat Action Ribbon. In December 1994, Coffman was appointed to the Colorado State Senate to fill a vacancy and was subsequently elected to a full term in 1996, where he served as the chairman of the Finance Committee.

House tenure

Coffman's entry into the U.S. House of Representatives came after he announced his candidacy for Colorado's 6th congressional district in 2008, following the retirement of Republican Tom Tancredo. He successfully won the Republican primary and subsequently the general election, marking the beginning of his five-term tenure in Congress, which commenced in 2009.

During his time in the House, Coffman served on various committees and was involved in numerous legislative initiatives. His tenure was marked by a focus on issues relevant to his constituents, including veterans' affairs, military readiness, and fiscal responsibility. Coffman was known for his military background, which informed his perspectives on defense and foreign policy matters.

In the 2018 election, Coffman sought re-election but was defeated by Democratic challenger Jason Crow. His loss marked the end of his congressional career, concluding a decade of service in the House of Representatives.

Legislative focus and committees

Throughout his time in Congress, Coffman was a member of several key committees, which allowed him to influence legislation on a variety of issues. His military experience and commitment to veterans' affairs were central to his legislative focus. Coffman advocated for policies that supported military personnel and their families, emphasizing the importance of military readiness and the well-being of veterans.

Coffman also engaged in discussions surrounding fiscal policy, often advocating for reduced government spending and balanced budgets. His background in finance, gained during his time as the chairman of the Finance Committee in the Colorado State Senate and as State Treasurer, provided him with insights into economic issues that he brought to the national stage.

In addition to his focus on military and fiscal matters, Coffman was involved in various initiatives related to healthcare, education, and immigration reform. His approach often reflected the values and concerns of his constituents in Colorado's 6th congressional district.

After leaving Congress, Coffman continued his public service by running for and being elected as the Mayor of Aurora in 2019. His election to this position demonstrated his ongoing commitment to local governance and community engagement. In the 2023 election, he was re-elected to a second term as mayor, further solidifying his role in local leadership.

Coffman's career has been characterized by a blend of military service, business acumen, and political engagement, reflecting a dedication to public service at both the state and federal levels. His experiences have shaped his perspectives on governance and policy, contributing to his long-standing involvement in Colorado politics.