Bonnie Watson Coleman retires: N.J.’s trailblazing congresswoman says goodbye after historic run Associated Press Published: November 10, 2025 Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman, D-N.J. (AP Photo/Angelina Katsanis, File)

✅ Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman won’t seek reelection in 2026

✅ The 80-year-old says the decision follows “tremendous thought and reflection"

✅Watson Coleman is the first Black woman elected to represent NJ in the U.S. House

Bonnie Watson Coleman, who was the first Black woman elected to represent New Jersey in the U.S. House, said Monday she won't seek reelection next year.

Watson Coleman, 80, said in a statement that she decided not to seek another term after “tremendous thought and reflection” and discussion with her family. A message seeking more detail about her deci

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