Jeff Coleman

Coleman was born to a Filipino American family at Whidbey Island Naval Base in Washington in 1975.^[3] In the 1980s his family returned to Manila, Philippines to serve as missionaries.^[3] It was during that time that the Philippines experienced the People Power Revolution, which Coleman credits for inspiring his "passion for public service."^[3] He graduated from Orchard Hills Christian Academy in 1994.^[4] He attended Liberty University, earning his degree in Government in 2001.^[4] Prior to elective office, Coleman worked in a grocery store, waited tables, and was as radio news anchor in college.^[3] He also worked as an intern for Pennsylvania Senator Rick Santorum and was elected to Apollo Borough Council.^[3][5]

In the 2000 election for the 60th legislative district, the 25-year-old Coleman defeated long-time Democratic incumbent Tim Pesci in spite of the district being 70% Democratic.^[6][7][8] Coleman's under-funded campaign relied on an aggressive "door-to-door" campaign with hundreds of campaign volunteers.^[3] Bill DeWeese, the House Democratic Leader, said that Pesci had run a "condescending" race against Coleman, calling his opponent "Jeffy" and describing Coleman's campaign volunteers as "the Children from the Corn," referring to the horror film.^[7][9] He ran unopposed for reelection in 2002.^[10]

In a 2002 PoliticsPA Feature story designating politicians with yearbook superlatives, he was named the "Most Ambitious"^[11]

Coleman surprised political observers by retiring prior to the 2004 elections to host a Harrisburg-based political radio program.^[12] In 2010, Politics Magazine named him one of the most influential Republicans in Pennsylvania, noting his success as a political consultant.^[13]

Coleman unsuccessfully sought the 2022 Republican nomination for lieutenant governor,^[14] coming in fifth place in the May 2022 primary election: