Norm Coleman

Norman Bertram Coleman Jr., born on August 17, 1949, in New York City, is a prominent American politician, attorney, and lobbyist. He first gained public office as the mayor of Saint Paul, Minnesota, where he served from 1994 to 2002. Initially elected as a member of the Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party, Coleman transitioned to the Republican Party in 1996, reflecting his evolving political views.

During his tenure as mayor, Coleman was a liberal Democrat, but he shifted towards conservatism, which led to his departure from the Democratic Party. He was reelected as mayor in 1994 and later ran for governor in 1998 as the Republican nominee, although he was defeated by Jesse Ventura, a former professional wrestler and third-party candidate.

In 2002, Coleman successfully challenged incumbent Democratic Senator Paul Wellstone in a closely contested election. Following Wellstone's tragic death, former Vice President Walter Mondale replaced him on the ballot, but Coleman emerged victorious by a narrow margin. His time in the Senate lasted from 2003 until 2009, making him the last Republican to represent Minnesota in that body.

The 2008 election proved to be one of the tightest in Senate history, with Coleman losing to comedian Al Franken by a mere three hundred twelve votes out of over three million cast. After his defeat, Coleman transitioned into lobbying, taking on significant roles such as chairing the Republican Jewish Coalition and the conservative American Action Network. He also founded the Congressional Leadership Fund super PAC and has worked as a lobbyist for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.