Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-Ewing) announced Monday that she will retire after six terms in Congress. New Jersey officials are thanking and celebrating Watson Coleman after her nearly three decades in the New Jersey Legislature and Congress:
Senator Andy Kim: “Bonnie is a fighter. She was one of the first people who took me under her wing when I came to the House and showed me what it means to stand up for people who need a voice. What an extraordinary career in public service for NJ and the country. Thanks Bonnie!”
State Democratic Chairman LeRoy Jones Jr.: “The Watson family has long been a political dynasty in New Jersey and Bonnie Watson Coleman’s trailblazing career has only helped burnish that sterling reputation through her unwavering dedication to public service.
It is fitting that Bonnie has chosen this moment, less than a week after New Jersey elected the first Democratic woman to serve as governor, to announce that she will not be seeking reelection after her term ends.
Bonnie’s historic achievements in becoming the first African American woman to serve as Chair of the New Jersey Democratic State Committee before being elected the first African American woman to represent New Jersey in the United States Congress will certainly never be forgotten. Her achievements will be passed down in history books and, more importantly, they will be cited around kitchen tables and in family living rooms in communities everywhere as a reminder that barriers that can be broken and dreams can be realized.
The Congresswoman has always been, first and foremost, a voice for the voiceless, and always among the first in line in the fight to protect our democracy. I know she is going to spend these next 13 months just as she has served over the previous five decades: standing up to President Trump and the MAGA movement and fighting every day to improve the lives of every family throughout the Twelfth Congressional district and the nation
Passaic County Democratic Chairman and former State Democratic Chairman John Currie: “I’ve had the privilege of knowing Bonnie for decades, and I was blessed to know her father, John Watson, who mentored me early in my public service journey. I will never forget the meals Bonnie and I shared at her family’s kitchen table, where talk of justice, service, and giving back to the community was not just conversation. These were values being lived and passed on.
Bonnie has carried that legacy with grace, courage, and conviction. She shattered barriers as the first African American woman to represent New Jersey in Congress, but just as importantly, she always led with her heart, fighting for working families, civil rights, and fairness at every turn.
Her retirement marks the end of a historic chapter. Still, her legacy will continue to inspire future generations of leaders, especially young women and girls of color, who see in her a role model of what’s possible.
We thank her for her service, and we honor her for the extraordinary difference she’s made in the lives of so many across our state and our nation.”
State Sen. Joe Cryan (D-Union): “Bonnie Watson Coleman has been a trailblazer, making history as the first African American woman to serve as Democratic State Chair and to represent New Jersey in the United States Congress, and the historical significance of her accomplishments will only increase with time.
I’ve known Bonnie for a number of years and had the opportunity to succeed her as State Chair while also serving with her in the in the Legislature. Her tenacity and integrity were unparalleled, and her total dedication to responsible and effective government have served as a barometer for the entirety of her career.
Bonnie’s legacy of service to the people of New Jersey has been a testament to her tremendous work ethic and sense of responsibility and her retirement will leave a tremendous void. Whoever has the privilege to next serve the people of the 12th Congressional district will have their work cut out for them, but they will also have a guide on the best way to do the job.”
This article will be updated.
