The late Rep. Donald Payne, Jr. (D-10th) shared a deep connection with Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-12th), calling her his “sister-mother” in Congress. The two had plenty in common: Both followed their trailblazing fathers into politics, and both were the only Black members of New Jersey’s Congressional delegation.
NJ Spotlight News spoke with Watson Coleman about that close relationship and the void Payne’s death now leaves in the New Jersey delegation. She said the two bonded quickly, and that he’ll be remembered for his deep commitment to his constituents. No one in the House of Representatives, Watson Coleman said, spent more time touting the achievements of the people in his or her district.
“This is heartbreaking,” she said. “It’s heartbreaking for all the members of the Congressional Black Caucus, but its heartbreaking for all the members of Congress that had the blessing and opportunity to work with him.”
