With the 2025 session underway, Colorado Politics caught up with Senate Majority Leader James Coleman on his priorities and expectations. The answers have been slightly edited.

Colorado Politics: What is your top priority for this session?

James Coleman: My top priority for this session is to support the members of the Senate to the best of my ability. I am not just the President of the Senate Democrats, I’m President of the Senate. We have so much important work to do over the next few months, and it’s critical that every member, regardless of political affiliation, can come to the Capitol well-prepared and well-supported to do the work.

CP: What is your caucus’s top priority for this session?

Coleman: Stronger communities for all Coloradans. That means communities safe from violence and crime, communities where you can afford to live where you work and where going to the doctor doesn’t break the bank, and communities that embrace diversity and freedom.

CP: Given the state’s budgetary constraints, how will you manage your caucus’s expectations and the governor’s expectations?

Coleman: We have known about this year’s budget challenges for the better part of a year. Having seen those warning signs, we have been having, and will continue to have conversations with our caucus about what will be realistic this year. I applaud Senators (Jeff) Bridges and (Judy) Amabile’s leadership as they work to balance our budget, and all of our expectations.

CP: How would you characterize your relationship with lawmakers on the other side of the aisle?

Coleman: Collaborative, respectful. The Senate has a long tradition of collaboration and shared respect between all of its members, on both sides of the aisle. That’s a tradition I’m proud to carry forward as I begin my tenure as Senate President.

CP: What do you hope to accomplish by the end of the session?

Coleman: There are two main things I hope to accomplish by the end of session. The first is coming out on the other side of a tough budget year having protected the essential services Coloradans rely on and passing legislation that’s going to make a difference. The second is doing that together — with members from both sides of the aisle, urban and rural areas, folks with ideas across all parts of the political spectrum.