U.S. Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman Says She Will Not Run for Re-Election to Congress
U.S. Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman speaks at the Statewide Meeting for the Black Agenda at St. Matthew's Baptist Church in Williamstown on Saturday, August 30, 2025. Photo by AC JosepH Media.
AC JosepH Media
TRENTON – U.S. Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman, one of the most influential African American legislators in Congress with more than 50 years of public service, said she will not run for re-election to her New Jersey District 12 seat next year.
Coleman 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,” Coleman said in a statement.
“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.”
Coleman said she made her decision not to run “with tremendous thought and reflection,” along with conversations with her husband Bill Coleman and family members.
“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,” she said. “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.”
See Coleman’s full statement here.
New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy added his comments on Monday about the announcement.
“For over 25 years, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman has been a true champion for the people of New Jersey, leading with integrity, compassion, and a deep commitment to justice and equality,” Murphy said in a statement.
“As the first African American woman to represent New Jersey to serve in the U.S. Congress, Representative Watson Coleman broke barriers and inspired countless individuals across our state and nation. She has been unwavering in her dedication to fairness, dignity, and advancing the common good.
“It was a true honor to have the Congresswoman administer my oath of office when I was sworn in as Director of the Passaic County Commissioner Board. We thank Congresswoman Watson Coleman for her extraordinary service, visionary leadership, and lasting legacy.”
Numerous pas and current members of Congress added their thoughts as well.
“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.
“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.”
Note from AC JosepH Media: If you like this story and others posted on Front Runner New Jersey.com, lend us a hand so we can keep producing articles like these for New Jersey and the world to see. Click on SUPPORT FRNJ and make a contribution that will go directly in making more stories like this available. Thank you for reading!
About Author
