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Hashim Coates

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Hashim Coates
Image of Hashim Coates
Elections and appointments
Last election

June 25, 2024

Education

High school

George Washington High School

Bachelor's

Metropolitan State University of Denver, 2010

Military

Service / branch

U.S. Navy

Personal
Birthplace
Denver, Colo.
Religion
Agnostic
Profession
Consultant
Contact

Hashim Coates (Democratic Party) ran for election to the Arapahoe County Commission to represent District 5 in Colorado. He lost in the Democratic primary on June 25, 2024.

Coates completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. Click here to read the survey answers.

Biography

Hashim Coates was born in Denver, Colorado. He served in the U.S. Navy. He earned a bachelor's degree from the Metropolitan State University of Denver in 2010. His career experience includes working as a consultant, budget advisor, human relations commission worker, executive director, and grant administrator. Coates has been affiliated with the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity.[1]

Elections

2024

See also: Municipal elections in Arapahoe County, Colorado (2024)

General election

General election for Arapahoe County Commission District 5

Rhonda Fields defeated Eliseo Gonzalez in the general election for Arapahoe County Commission District 5 on November 5, 2024.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Rhonda Fields
Rhonda Fields (D) Candidate Connection
 
68.7
 
26,261
Eliseo Gonzalez (L) Candidate Connection
 
31.3
 
11,991

Total votes: 38,252
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

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Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for Arapahoe County Commission District 5

Rhonda Fields defeated Hashim Coates in the Democratic primary for Arapahoe County Commission District 5 on June 25, 2024.

Candidate
%
Votes
Image of Rhonda Fields
Rhonda Fields Candidate Connection
 
68.7
 
6,016
Image of Hashim Coates
Hashim Coates Candidate Connection
 
31.3
 
2,745

Total votes: 8,761
Candidate Connection = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.

Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Endorsements

To view Coates's endorsements as published by their campaign, click here. Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Coates in this election.

Campaign themes

2024

Video for Ballotpedia

Video submitted to Ballotpedia
Released June 6, 2024

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

Candidate Connection

Hashim Coates completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Coates' responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

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I am a US Navy Veteran, born and raised in Colorado by a single mother in a loving family. As a product and supporter of public schools, I began my advocacy work in HIV and STD prevention in the 90s. My progressive work spans many years and includes contributions to organizations such as the Colorado AIDS Project and the People of Color Consortium Against AIDS (P.O.C.C.A.A.).

I have worked on over 20 electoral political campaigns, including those for Phil Weiser, Jason Crow, and Morgan Carroll. Recognizing that life is challenging and that everyone has their own struggles, I strive to extend the grace I seek for myself while believing that accountability makes us stronger. I love to laugh and often find myself being the source of that laughter.

Protective by nature and a staunch opponent of bullies, I am running for an office that demands intense public interaction. However, I also cherish my alone time, enjoying music, barbecue, and Mexican food.
  • District 5 is the most diverse district in Arapahoe County, a fact that I am proud of. However, it is also home to two of the zip codes with the highest poverty levels in the state. This is a reality that deeply troubles me. I am disgusted by elected officials who neglect our community, treating people as commodities rather than valuing our culture. District 5 deserves a commissioner who will advocate for them unapologetically, not someone who leverages their position for personal or political gain. I am committed to addressing these issues and ensuring that our district thrives. My campaign is centered around one key principle: PUTTING PEOPLE FIRST. If we want real change, we must take bold action. We must say no to establishment gatekeep
  • Innovation and fresh ideas are crucial for Arapahoe County. We need to find ways to generate revenue without increasing taxes, starting with de-Brucing. My favorite innovative solution is to establish a county bank. This bank would operate like any major bank, but keep the revenue here in Arapahoe County. This would allow us to rebuild and strengthen our safety nets keeping Older Adults in their homes, providing in-home care services, providing childcare funding, fix our neglected roads, provide small business loans to women- and minority-owned businesses, and offer home loans to groups often ignored by traditional institutions. With this approach, Arapahoe County can become self-sufficient and thrive. It's time to PUT PEOPLE FIRST!
  • Arapahoe County is not for sale! District 5 is the most Democratic district in Arapahoe County, yet it has been taken for granted for far too long. There has never been a Democratic primary for this district—until now. I entered the race and won the Arapahoe County Democratic Assembly with 55% of the vote, defeating a career politician. The message is clear: I am the candidate who is "Unbought and People Bossed." My only allegiance is to the residents of District 5. I owe NO political favors, have NO political debts to repay, and represent NO special interest groups! I am ONLY responsible to the people of District 5
I am passionate about the ENVIRONMENT! Without clean air and water, we can't fight over apples and oranges. For me, HOUSING, GROWTH, and COMMUNITY SAFETY are all interconnected. Much of the crime we see stems from people struggling to meet basic needs like food, clothing, and shelter—the fundamental requirements in Maslow's hierarchy.

If the county makes a concerted effort to give preference points on contracts to businesses that hire locally, it will help residents secure these essentials. This approach not only reduces the crime rate but also improves the overall quality of life for individuals and the entire community. It's time to PUT PEOPLE FIRST
I admire anyone who can get knocked down, stumble, and then rise again to continue the journey we call life. Specifically, three people stand out to me: my mom, my grandma, and my grandpa.

I look up to my mom for her incredible strength as a single parent. Now, as an adult, I understand the challenges she faced, but as a child, my life was pretty seamless. I admire my mom for her incredible strength as a single parent. As an adult, I now understand the challenges she faced, but as a child, my life was remarkably smooth. She embodies strength, conviction, and fortitude, teaching me to love with both firmness and compassion. From her, I learned how to support others while also offering honest critique. LOOK MOM! I made it! G*d I LOVE MY MOM!

I have tattoos of my grandma and grandpa's names on my body, symbolizing the special place they hold in my heart. My grandma embodies unconditional love and service. As the favorite grandchild, I was often spoiled, but she taught me the difference between what's right and who's right, even when she wouldn't side with me in disputes. Her commitment to the community was unwavering; she was friends with Harry Taylor, the first Black woman elected to the Colorado legislature. My grandma dedicated countless hours to driving a Red Cross van, helping people get to their medical appointments, and serving her church. Her kindness and compassion are the foundation of who I am.

My grandpa exemplified what it means to love and support your family. No matter what we faced, he was always there, loving us unconditionally. His devotion to my grandma is a model of love and dedication that I hope to experience one day with a partner.
My political philosophy is shaped by many influences. One of my heroes is the late Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm. She faced countless obstacles and overcame numerous roadblocks, always keeping her focus on serving the people. She consistently reminded us that true power lies with the people. Shirley Chisholm is not just an inspiration for those seeking elected office but for anyone striving to improve the lives of others.

I also draw inspiration from James Baldwin, a fellow black, same-gender-loving man who loved our country so deeply that he was unafraid to criticize it and work tirelessly to make it better. Baldwin's courage and conviction resonate with me deeply.

Additionally, I find wisdom in Dr. Wayne W. Dyer’s book, “Living the Wisdom of the Tao”. It teaches the importance of taking nothing for granted, finding beauty and significance in all things, and applying those principles to life.

From the Bible, I embrace the Golden Rule—doing unto others as you would have them do unto you—and the commandment to love your neighbor as yourself. This principle is sometimes complex because when people fail to love themselves, they often inflict pain on others, a root cause of many societal issues.
Honesty - I firmly believe that people value being told the truth and having clear expectations, even if they don't get everything they want. They appreciate honesty far more than being lied to and given excuses for broken promises.

Transparency - We need to demystify elected offices. It’s essential to show our constituents that we are just like them, with our own challenges and imperfections. This transparency makes us more relatable and helps us operate without backroom deals or promises to special interest groups that don't have Arapahoe County residents' best interests at heart. When the community can see how decisions are made, they will trust their elected officials more and be inspired to engage in public service themselves.

Accessibility - Elected officials are not royalty or deities; they are public servants. They must be willing to be part of the community, working to create economic opportunities with minimal environmental impact. They should be approachable and committed to listening to constituents in order to serve the people.

Empathy - It’s clear that many people are struggling. After knocking on doors and talking with residents, the extent of their pain became even more apparent. It’s foolish to think we know all the issues. We must be active listeners, ready to provide solutions when needed, all while maintaining compassion and understanding.

Tenacity - Being a county commissioner requires a blend of smart and hard work. We don’t live in a black-and-white world; most situations in elected office are complex and nuanced. An elected official must be relentless, always seeking the best approaches for the community, even if it means long hours and stressful days. The commitment to the job must be unwavering, finding solutions that truly serve the people.
I'm honest—ever since I stopped receiving corporal punishment, I've seen no reason to lie. LOL! Honesty is crucial because it allows people to love and support you even in your most vulnerable moments.

I'm also a critical thinker. As Dr. King said, “Rarely do we find people who willingly engage in hard, solid thinking. There is an almost universal quest for easy answers and half-baked solutions. Nothing pains some people more than having to think.” This skill is sorely lacking in many public offices and community leaders today.

Additionally, I'm receptive to feedback. The only thing I'm perfect at is being myself. Outside of that, I recognize that everyone has some level of dys-to-our-function, and we must embrace feedback to continually improve.

I'm a fast learner and an adaptive learner. I enjoy learning new things and meeting new people, sharing in their life experiences. My ability to see beauty and value in most things will undoubtedly help me be a successful county commissioner.
1. Representation: Advocating for the interests and needs of all residents in the district, ensuring their voices are heard in all decisions.

2. Leadership and Vision: Providing strategic direction and leadership to promote sustainable growth and development while maintaining the county’s quality of life.

3. Budget and Finance Management: Developing and approving the county budget, ensuring fiscal responsibility, transparency, and the efficient use of taxpayer dollars to fund essential services and infrastructure.

4. Policy Development: Creating, reviewing, and implementing policies that address community needs, improve public services, and enhance the well-being of residents.

5. Community Engagement: Building strong relationships with constituents through regular communication, town halls, and community meetings to understand and address their concerns effectively.

6. Legal and Regulatory Compliance: Working with other elected officials, local governments, and stakeholders to coordinate efforts, leverage resources, and achieve common goals for the betterment of the county.

7. Advocacy and Representation: Serving as a liaison between the county and state/federal governments, advocating for policies, grants, and funding that benefit the community.

8. Overseeing County Operations: County commissioners oversee the administration of county government, including departments such as public works, law enforcement, health and human services, parks and recreation, and more. .

9. Problem-Solving and Innovation: Addressing challenges creatively and effectively, fostering innovative solutions to improve services, infrastructure, and quality of life in the county.

10. Ethical Standards: Upholding the highest ethical standards, avoiding conflicts of interest, and maintaining integrity and honesty in all dealings and decisions.
I aspire to leave a legacy that is profoundly impactful. I want to be remembered as someone who consistently put their best foot forward in all aspects of life, someone who learned from their mistakes and supported others through theirs. In this race, my goal is to inspire everyone. Even if you've stumbled in life, you can and should still pursue your dreams.

I want to demonstrate that honesty and integrity are not just possible but essential in living a fulfilling life. I hope to inspire people through this race to understand that you don't have to wait until your golden years to make a significant impact on others. You don’t need to conform to a certain image to run for office. The most important qualities are being true to yourself, your values, and your community.

I want to remind everyone that you don't have to be the traditional straight, white, Christian man to run for office. Society is diverse, and our elected officials should reflect that diversity. My candidacy is a testament to the idea that anyone, regardless of their background, can step up and serve their community. By staying true to ourselves and our principles, we can create a more inclusive and representative government that truly serves all its people.
The first significant historical event of my lifetime was the Space Shuttle Challenger explosion when I was 10 years old. I vividly recall my mom staying home sick from work, allowing me the rare chance to walk to school, which thrilled me at the time. I sat in class, eagerly watching the shuttle launch, only to witness the sudden and tragic explosion. The weather seemed to mirror our shock and sadness that day—what started as a sunny walk to school turned into a cloudy, somber afternoon.
My very first job was keeping my room clean from the age of 5 until I left home at 18. LOL. My first job with taxes deducted from my paycheck was at Baskin-Robbins. I took the job to earn some extra cash for my senior year in high school and worked there for about five months before joining the Navy.
I would say Obi-Wan Kenobi. one I think that it would be pretty cool to be a Jedi. but he saw the good in people, even if they did not see it within themselves . and when he made a mistake, he worked to fix the mistake even if it meant sacrificing himself.
The song by The O'Jays titled "Give the People What They Want" was released in 1975. It is a soulful anthem that emphasizes the importance of listening to and addressing the needs and desires of the people. This track is known for its powerful message and infectious rhythm, reflecting the group's commitment to social consciousness and community empowerment.
My goal to lose weight, keep it off, and maintain a less stressful, healthier lifestyle. Additionally, to pursuing my dream of attending law school, becoming a practicing attorney, and possibly a judge.

I find it challenging when people in society lack compassion. I understand that everyone is dealing with their own issues, which is precisely why we should be more compassionate towards one another.
I do not represent any special interest groups;

My campaign has been endorsed by two of the four remaining Arapahoe County commissioners: Leslie Summey, the first Black person ever elected to office in Arapahoe County, and Commissioner Jessica Campbell, the youngest person ever elected to office in Arapahoe County. Additionally, I have the support of Arapahoe County Assessor P.K. Keiser, the first Asian American ever elected to office in Arapahoe County, and Arapahoe County Treasurer Michael Westerberg.

Democratic Party State Chair Morgan Carroll, Arapahoe County Democratic Party Chair Kristen Mallory Westerberg, State Representative Mandy Lindsey of House District 42, City Council Reps Alison Coombs, and Juan Marcano
I believe in the fundamental importance of financial transparency and government accountability. Keeping big money out of politics is crucial to ensure that our elected officials remain dedicated to serving the people, rather than special interests. I am committed to fostering an environment where decisions are made in the open, free from undue influence and hidden agendas.

Transparency in government not only builds trust but also empowers citizens to hold their representatives accountable. This means ensuring that campaign finances, lobbying activities, and government contracts are fully disclosed and accessible to the public. By removing the influence of big money, we can create a political system that truly represents the interests of all residents, not just the wealthy and powerful.

I am also inspired by the principles of honesty and integrity, which are essential in maintaining a government that works for the people. This involves advocating for stricter regulations on campaign finance, promoting policies that limit the influence of money in politics, and supporting initiatives that enhance the ethical standards of public officials. In doing so, we can build a more just and equitable system where every voice is heard, and every community’s needs are addressed.

Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.

Note: Coates submitted the above survey responses to Ballotpedia on June 9, 2024.

See also


External links

Footnotes

  1. Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on June 6, 2024