U.S. Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-12th) announced Monday that she will not seek reelection and instead retire from Congress when her term ends in 2027.
“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,” Watson Coleman said in a statement. “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.
“While I am not seeking re-election, there is still more to be done in my last year in public office,” she added. “I absolutely intend to continue serving my constituents in the 12th district straight through to the last day of my term.”
Watson Coleman was elected to the state Assembly in 1998. She served as chair of the New Jersey Democratic State Committee from 2002 to 2006 and served as Assembly majority leader from 2006 to 2010.
In 2015, Watson Coleman was elected to represent the state’s 12th Congressional District, becoming the first Black woman to represent New Jersey in the House of Representatives. She currently serves on the House Committee on Appropriations.
