 Coleman won the election to finish the term, so his legislative service began on November 29, 1972.He won re-election once before running (and winning) a seat in the Virginia Senate formerly held by fellow Republican H. Dunlop Dawbarn (before his resignation before the 1975 session and briefly held by Democrat Frank W. Nolen after the special election).The 15th District of the House of Delegates at the time included Augusta, Highland, and Bath Counties, as well as the cities of Staunton and Waynesboro.