Bonnie Watson Coleman announces she will not seek re-election in 2026
Photo: Office of Bonnie Watson Coleman
Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-12) announced on Monday she would not seek re-election in the 2026 midterm elections.
The 80 year old representative, who was first elected in the 2014 midterm election as the first Black woman to represent New Jersey in the U.S. House, ends her 50 years of public service with the 119th Congress.
In her statement, Watson Coleman said she believes she has fulfilled her commitment “to lead the charge” on behalf of her constituents to the best of her abilities.
Earlier this year, Watson Coleman was arrested alongside Representative LaMonica McIver (D-10) and Newark Mayor Ras Baraka in front of the Newark ICE Facility Delaney Hall.
Watson Coleman has not named a potential successor, and not many names stand out currently to replace the stalwart progressive.