REP. WATSON COLEMAN WILL NOT RUN FOR RE-ELECTION
“To whom much is given, much is required”
Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) today announced that she will retire when her present term expires at the end of the 119th Congress. She will not seek re-election to a new term as the U.S. Representative for New Jersey’s 12th Congressional District concluding a remarkable, barrier-breaking career spanning over 50 years in public service to the State of New Jersey and the nation.
The Congresswoman made history in 2015, becoming the first African American woman to represent New Jersey in the U.S. House of Representatives. Before being elected to Congress, she served in the New Jersey General Assembly, becoming the Assembly Majority Leader, and was the first African American woman to be elected Chair of the New Jersey Democratic State Committee. She has long been revered as a progressive champion, a dedicated public servant rooted in faith and family, and as an unrelenting fighter known for her tenacity and willingness to stand up against the toughest opponents in defense of what is right without concern for political consequence.
“I have been blessed in my life to be surrounded by loved ones who have always valued the importance of serving the public, and I have never taken that opportunity to serve for granted. I truly believe that ‘to whom much is given, much is required’ and, as such, I have always prioritized the people I represent above any personal or professional gain.
“The values and principles instilled in my brothers and me at a young age from our parents, John and Marie Watson, have been a guiding light on this incredible journey in public service and they are the very same ideals that inform my decision now. I made this decision with tremendous thought and reflection, and through many personal conversations with my husband Bill and my family. I am confident it is the right choice for me and my family who have graciously sacrificed by my side when I placed serving our community above all else and I can truly say, I am at peace with my decision.
“I made a commitment years ago to always lead the charge on behalf of those I represent, and I believe I have fulfilled that commitment to the very best of my abilities. I have always stood on the frontlines in the fight for principled progressive policies and my work has centered on the belief that there must be a floor below which we should never allow any child, family, or person to fall. This is evident in my legislative agenda to build an economy for all, reform our criminal justice system, achieve health equity, and eliminate poverty. I believe we must secure everlasting peace to conflicts all around the globe and pray our leaders advocate for a two-state solution that paves the way for peace, prosperity, and dignity for Israelis and Palestinians. I believe in giving voice to truth, speaking truth to power, and I believe as a consequence of that, we have been able to effect real results that will be felt in communities across America for generations. I also believe now is the time to pass the torch to the next leader who will continue leading this charge.
“It is my fervent hope that whoever is next elected to serve the people of the 12th Congressional District will be a public servant grounded in strong moral principles and an unabashed advocate in the United States Congress on behalf of those they have the privilege to represent. I hope we will see, in this district and districts across the nation, representatives who, in the words of my dear former colleague and friend, Congressman John Lewis, stand ready to, “Get in good trouble, necessary trouble, and help redeem the soul of America.”
“While I am not seeking re-election, there is still more to be done in my last year in public office. I absolutely intend to continue serving my constituents in the 12th district straight through to the last day of my term.
“We are at a critical juncture in our nation’s history. Last week our country saw what happens when we work together and we stand against the horrific and oppressive policies emanating from the Trump White House. In elections across the country and especially right here at home in New Jersey, we saw the undeniable power when diverse coalitions, marginalized voices, and organized communities stand with one voice united behind shared goals rooted in the belief that we are our brother’s keeper. Those goals do not change. We must continue to stand and fight against those who would target the vulnerable and attempt to harm our democracy.
“I have never been a prideful person just as I have never taken my many blessings for granted, but I can say today that I believe we were able to make a tremendous positive impact for many people, and for that I am grateful. I am honored to have served my constituents who faithfully trusted me to be their voice. I am blessed to have been in this fight with my esteemed colleagues and friends in the New Jersey Assembly and the United States Congress. And, I have been fortunate to have had the unwavering support of an awesome team of dedicated, talented, and compassionate staffers. We have a lot more to do over the next year and the fight goes on. I look forward to finishing out that work.”
Several of the Congresswoman’s past and current colleagues commented on the news:
"It has been a great privilege and blessed experience to serve with Bonnie Watson Coleman in the United States House of Representatives,” said Congressman Jim Clyburn. “It has also been an honor to have been tutored by her and to have partnered with her in our efforts to make the many things that make this country great accessible and affordable to all. Bonnie has been a real workhorse on behalf of her constituents and she will be sorely missed by them and by us, her colleagues and friends."
“I had the good fortune of serving with Rep Watson Coleman for a number of years. What a breath of fresh air,” said former Congresswoman and Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Marcia Fudge. “Her sole purpose was to serve her constituents and work on behalf of the American people. She worked hard because she understood that their health and safety were important, that their hopes and dreams were important and that everyone deserved the opportunity to succeed on a level playing field. The US Congress is losing one of its finest; its very best! God speed my friend. I know you will continue to fight for what is right.”
“It has been a privilege and a joy to work alongside my dear friend and colleague, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman. She has been a principled, strategic legislator, a representative who delivers for her constituents and a Member of Congress who stands up for her values and for what is right,” said former Congresswoman and Mayor of Oakland Barbara Lee. “We worked together on many issues on the appropriations committee and she has led boldly on issues relating to poverty, women’s equality and reproductive freedom, racial and economic justice, teenage suicide and so much more. Bonnie has the unique ability to “think locally, act globally”. I have traveled with her abroad and witnessed her deep understanding of foreign policy and the true meaning of peace. Congresswoman Watson Coleman is a brilliant legislator and more important to me personally, a true friend who I love dearly. May this next chapter of her life be fulfilling and fun.”
“It is with deep admiration that I extend my congratulations to my dear friend and former colleague, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman, on her well-deserved retirement. Bonnie's career has been nothing short of extraordinary—a legacy built on courage, compassion, and an unshakable commitment to justice,” said former Chairwoman of the Congressional Black Caucus and Mayor of Los Angeles Karen Bass. “Her advocacy for criminal justice reform, equitable economic opportunity, and human dignity has changed lives and strengthened communities. Whether championing the rights of women and families, fighting for fairer re-entry programs for the formerly incarcerated, or protecting our environment, Bonnie led with integrity and empathy every step of the way. Congress will miss her wisdom, her warmth, and that unmistakable spirit of determination that could inspire an entire chamber. Her service in the House of Representatives will forever stand as a symbol of progress, compassion, and unyielding service.”
“Bonnie Watson Coleman has been a close colleague of mine since her arrival in Washington,” said Congressman Bennie Thompson. “We sit together, every day, on the floor when the House votes. Her commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion is in her DNA. A strong woman who is willing to take a stand for her beliefs no matter who is on the other side. New Jersey is losing a great public servant in Bonnie’s retirement. For a lot of us in the House of Representatives we are losing a dear friend and role model extraordinaire.”
“Today I learned that my very dear friend and colleague, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman, will not seek reelection,” said Congressman Troy Carter. “Selfishly, I am saddened by this news — but I am also filled with joy knowing that she will now have the time to enjoy her husband, children, and grandchildren, who have shared her so generously with the people of New Jersey and the nation. Bonnie has been a trailblazer, a bridge builder, and a fearless advocate for justice. On a personal note, I will deeply miss sitting beside her on the House floor — strategizing on votes, dissecting policy, and leaning on her wisdom and humor during long nights of debate. I’ll miss our “98% plus 2% formula” — our shorthand for finding the balance between passion and practicality in the fight to strengthen the American family. And I’ll miss her bright smile, her powerful moral compass, and yes, her occasional sweet treat that helped get us through those marathon sessions. Bonnie Watson Coleman’s name will forever stand among the giants who used their voice to lift others. She has been a North Star for equity, a champion for women and girls, a warrior for the working class, and a conscience for the Congress.”