After years in the campaign shadows as a political operative, Hashim Coates stepped into the spotlight on Saturday, kicking off his own “People bossed” campaign for Arapahoe County Commissioner in District 5.

In a press release last week, the 48-year-old activist committed to “unifying and uplifting our community” to “build a more inclusive and prosperous future.” Yet, as he sets independent political sail, Coates’ past political maneuvers and choices may catch up with him.

Coates is one of at least two Democrats vying for his party’s nomination; the other, so far, is outgoing State Sen. Rhonda Fields. Democrats are favored to hold the seat in November.

An effective campaigner, Coates steered successful runs for CU Regent Wanda James, Denver Public Schools board member Scott Esserman and state Rep. Stephen Woodrow, as well as disgraced ex-DPS board member Auon’tai Anderson.

Coates has aided the Democratic campaigns of Attorney General Phil Weiser and 6th Congressional District U.S. Rep. Jason Crow, among others. Both Weiser and Crow have endorsed Coates’ opponent.

Esserman now serves as registered agent for Coates’ campaign.

Coates also worked on former DPS board member Charmaine Lindsay’s unsuccessful campaign; a curious choice given his stark disagreements on key issues — especially Lindsay’s vital vote to reinstate law enforcement officers on DPS campuses amid a breakdown in school safety.

Coates’ biggest payday seems to have been as political director for former State Sen. Morgan Carroll’s failed 2016 congressional campaign — reportedly raking in $46,000. The two maintained a close political relationship while Carroll chaired the Colorado Democratic Party. Now, Carroll backs his campaign.

Coates is regarded as a “rabble rouser” by some, but his friends attest to his intellect and campaign savvy. But do these attributes make him fit for elective office?

After his involvement in Carroll’s campaign, Coates had a run-in with the law in December 2016. He was arrested and eventually pleaded guilty to prohibited use of a weapon following a sexual encounter with a male prostitute.

Police records reveal Coates fired multiple shots from a Smith and Wesson 9mm pistol toward a car carrying the prostitute and three others — including two children. Coates secured a plea deal for the class-two misdemeanor as prosecutors dropped more serious counts, including a felony for illegally discharging a firearm and misdemeanors concerning prostitution and criminal mischief.

Coates held a concealed-carry license, but he has been extensively involved in the marijuana industry for years. Colorado law bars concealed carry by those habitually using controlled substances under federal law, including marijuana. It’s a top question on the concealed-carry application.

Coates boasts significant cannabis credentials, having been executive director of Black, Brown & Red Badged (BBRB), an advocacy group established by industry trailblazer Wanda James, ostensibly to champion minority-owned marijuana businesses.

In his release, Coates claimed he still runs BBRB — yet that’s belied by state records indicating James dissolved it last February.

In 2021, Coates testified for the bill establishing Colorado’s cannabis loan program, disclosing that BBRB formulated the idea at the invitation of Gov. Jared Polis’s office. As I reported last November, James’ pot shop, Simply Pure, secured one of the initial loans.

After Simply Pure failed an underage compliance check in 2019, Coates intervened. On Nov. 10, 2020, he emailed the attorney general’s office, seeking a personal call between James and Weiser. Alleging “an issue of targeting and abuse of power that she needs to discuss with him,” Coates helped James claim racial “bias and unfair targeting” by regulators. An audience with Weiser never materialized, although his staff participated in at least one conversation.

James signed an Assurance of Voluntary Compliance four months later, simply promising to follow the law without the typical fine.

Coates’ pattern of inappropriate interference extends to his vigorous defense of Tay Anderson, a close friend and mentee, during Anderson’s controversial DPS board tenure.

A 2021 district investigation uncovered predatory behavior by Anderson, including coercive attempts to date multiple underage students as well as witness intimidation — leading to an unprecedented DPS board censure.

At the time, Coates fervently defended Anderson through press conferences and social media posts, going as far as publicly attacking an 18-year-old protester and branding the DPS graduate a “lil lying-ass racist.” He made groundless legal threats and compared the young woman to the Columbine High School killers.

In his press release, Coates claimed endorsements from notable Democrats, including state Sens. James Coleman and Janet Buckner. Yet, Rhonda Fields’ website lists endorsements from both. Buckner confirmed she supports Fields; Coleman did not respond to an email and text by deadline.

Let’s be real: A false endorsement claim doesn’t exactly lend authenticity to Coates’ “fresh voice” campaign narrative.

Over the weekend, I emailed Coates several questions regarding subjects addressed in this column.

“Jimmy, unfortunately due to the holy day, I’m unable to meet your deadline,” Coates replied. Additionally, receiving this email reminded me that you did give me your card and I have not reached out to you. Based upon your questions and the wording I see you took that personally. And I say that to say because you have drug my name through the mud, but yet in your love of fear with Charmaine Lindsay the former DPS school board director, you never once gave me credit for being the person that got her on the school board.”

“Lots going on, charge it to life not my intention,” he closed.

As the battle for Arapahoe County Commission District 5 heats up, fledgling candidate Hashim Coates may face his toughest opponent yet — accountability.

Jimmy Sengenberger is an investigative journalist, public speaker, and host of “The Jimmy Sengenberger Show” Saturdays from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. on News/Talk 710 KNUS. Reach Jimmy online at Jimmysengenberger.com or on X (formerly Twitter) @SengCenter.