While local D.C. politicians greeted voters outside the polls in Foggy Bottom Tuesday morning, GW junior John “Jack” Coleman was right beside them, not as a supporter but as a candidate.

Coleman campaigned as a write-in candidate for Advisory Neighborhood Commission 2A06 commissioner. Yet he lost to incumbent opponent Florence Harmon, who received 112 votes – a landslide victory compared to his 16.

“I was absolutely flabbergasted that 112 votes slipped by us for Harmon,” Coleman said Wednesday afternoon. “We were the only ones outside in front of the polls and I just find that shocking.”

Although his name was not on the ballot, Coleman was confident throughout the day.

“I think people want change,” Coleman said Tuesday. “Maybe I should have piggy-backed onto Obama’s campaign.”

Early in the day, he arranged a stand in front of the West End Public Library, where he handed out flyers and offered free doughnuts and coffee to voters. On his flyer, Coleman said he would stop GW’s encroachment upon the community and call for greater community control over alcohol licenses, which are traditionally contentious issues in Foggy Bottom.

“No one will vote for some random name on the ticket,” said Coleman, referring to his efforts to make himself known on Election Day.

Coleman said he was the ideal candidate because he had influence in “three unique areas.”

“I have a foot in the door with GW, City Council and the community,” Coleman said.

Originally from Alabama, Coleman first became inspired to enter the D.C. political scene after meeting Ward 6 community organizer Tommy Wells on his 18th birthday. He said was instantly inspired by Wells’ work.