By Aaron Coleman – an outlook on the past, present, and the promising future
After my term of office ended in 2023, they said and still say it’s over for me. That there’ll be no room at the table for my voice or anyone who sounds like me on policy. They say I’ve made my last meaningful contribution to society. But I’ll never give up the fight or surrender our rights. No matter what I will keep my head up to the sky.
Today I take before you an oath that I shall continue to stand up! To those scorners who challenge me anytime that I speak, my task will be to challenge falsehoods and stand for truth. I will continue having ambition to run for office, at appropriate times. In 2020 at 19 years old I became the Democratic party nominee for State Representative by defeating a 13-year Democratic incumbent that voted with Republicans 13 times to restrict access to women’s healthcare. Along with him voting with Republicans on guns and the environment, it was easy to classify my opponent as too conservative. This gave me a clear path to election. (Although at the time I thought I had no chance of winning, as conventional wisdom would have suggested, being outspent 10-to-1 meant I had no hope)
I authored 14 pieces of legislation during my term, carrying the voice of my constituents to the Kansas Capitol building. Although most bills died in committee, one, a property tax exemption for disabled veterans, became law the term after I left office. But while I was in office, those bills stood as a flag planted, meant the conversations could be had. While the flag that I planted no longer stands, I know that the goal post has been moved an inch. And that, I consider, a victory in and of itself. Kansas needs more people to stand up for the downtrodden. When the battle call goes out again, I will be there.
While much work remains, these experiences have shaped my vision for the future. Looking ahead, my commitment is to fight boldly for a Kansas where every person, no matter their income, identity, or ZIP code, has the dignity, resources, and opportunity they deserve. That means expanding access to affordable healthcare, protecting reproductive freedom, investing in strong public schools, and ensuring workers earn a living wage. It means taking climate change seriously, safeguarding our environment, and building an economy that puts people over corporate interests. I’ve learned that real change never comes from political convenience; it comes from ordinary people demanding better and leaders who refuse to look away.
The challenges we face are serious, but so is our resolve. Together, we can move Kansas forward and build a future that works for all of us, not just for the privileged few.
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