By Isabella Burke, NJ State House News Service
Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman’s surprise announcement that she would retire from Congress set off a scramble this week among Democrats who hope to succeed her.
Three candidates have already tossed their hats into the ring: East Brunswick Mayor Brad Cohen, fitness studio owner Kyle Little, and Somerset County Commissioner Shanel Robinson of Franklin,
Another dozen or so are said to be considering a primary bid. Among those potential candidates is State Sen. Andrew Zwicker, who lost to Watson Coleman in a bid for the open seat in 2014 and is widely viewed as a strong contender.
“I am still having many conversations with my family and various colleagues and will make a decision in the next few weeks,” Zwicker told State House News Service. “I’m genuinely weighing all my options but really it’s a personal decision.”
Others floated as potential candidates in the 12th District Democratic primary, which includes Mercer, Somerset, Middlesex counties, as well as Plainfield in Union County:
- Trenton Assemblywoman Verlina Reynolds-Jackson
- Plainfield Assemblywoman Linda Carter
- Hamilton Assemblywoman Tennille McCoy
- Middlesex County Commissioner Shanti Narra
- Mercer County Commissioner Samuel Frisby
- Middlesex County Surrogate Claribel Cortes
- Mercer County Clerk Paula Sollami Covello
- Plainfield Mayor Adrian Mappa
- Ewing Councilwoman Sarah Steward
- Millstone Mayor Ray Heck
- James Gee, a Democratic strategist who was Watson Coleman’s longtime chief of staff.
Watson Coleman, who is 80 and was elected to Congress in 2014 after serving sixteen years in the state Legislature, has not publicly endorsed a replacement.
“It is my fervent hope that whoever is next elected will be a public servant grounded in strong moral principles and an unabashed advocate in the United States Congress on behalf of those they have the privilege to represent,” she said in announcing her retirement.
Watson Coleman leaves behind a legacy that is both historic and deeply personal to New Jersey politics, according to Jean Sinzdak of the Center for American Women in Politics at Rutgers.
“She has been a trailblazer her whole career – the first Black woman to represent New Jersey in Congress, the first Black woman to serve as Assembly Majority Leader, and the first Black woman to chair the Democratic State Committee. She opened doors for women in New Jersey politics.”
Her decision to retire marks the end of a political era.
“Her departure may make room for another generation of leaders,” Sinzdak said. “She’s stepping away at a high point and allowing space for someone else to come into her seat – and that sets an important example.”
No Republicans have yet announced their intention to run for the seat.
