Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman, the first Black woman elected to represent New Jersey in the U.S. House, said Monday she won’t seek reelection in the 2026 midterms.
The 80-year-old representative said she will retire and that it is “time to pass the torch.”
“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,” she said in a statement. “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.
“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.”
“I am confident it is the right choice for me and my family … I am at peace with my decision.”
Watson Coleman represents the 12th district, which covers parts of Mercer, Somerset, Union, and Middlesex counties — including Trenton and Princeton — in central New Jersey.. She was elected to the House in 2014. She was previously a state legislator from 1998 to 2014. Watson Coleman was also once chair of the state Democratic Party.
Watson Coleman’s announcement comes after Rep. Nancy Pelosi said she would not run for reelection next year and Senate Democrats crossed the aisle to vote with Republicans on a continuing resolution to reopen the government
