Bonnie Watson Coleman is a Democratic Representative for New Jersey's 12th congressional district, having been elected to the House of Representatives in 2015. Born on February 6, 1945, in Camden, New Jersey, she graduated from Ewing High School in 1963 and earned her Bachelor's degree from Thomas Edison State College in 1985. Prior to her congressional role, Watson Coleman served in the New Jersey state assembly from 1998 to 2014, where she also held the position of majority leader from 2006 to 2009. Throughout her political career, she has been involved in various legislative and committee initiatives that align with her advocacy for social justice, education, and public health.
In Congress, Watson Coleman is a member of several influential committees, including the Committee on Homeland Security, the Committee on Oversight and Accountability, and the Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress. Through her committee memberships, she has worked on a wide range of issues, including government accountability, health care access, and equity in education.
Watson Coleman has been active in sponsoring and co-sponsoring numerous significant bills during her tenure. One notable piece of legislation is the EITC Modernization Act (H.R. 905), which aims to expand the Earned Income Tax Credit to benefit a broader array of taxpayers, including students. This legislation reflects her commitment to reducing child poverty and supporting low-income families.
She has also sponsored the CROWN Act of 2025 (H.R. 1638), which addresses discrimination based on hair texture and protective hairstyles in the workplace, advocating for the rights of individuals, particularly within the Black community. Watson Coleman’s focus on civil rights is also evident in her support for the HR 116 resolution that condemns pardons for individuals convicted of assaulting Capitol Police officers, underlining her commitment to law enforcement accountability and protection.
In terms of her political leanings, Watson Coleman is aligned with progressive policies, particularly in the realms of social welfare, equity, and environmental issues. For instance, she has co-sponsored the Expanding Child Care Access Act (H.R. 1296) which seeks to enhance funding for child care services, addressing gaps in accessibility for low-income families. Her legislative priorities demonstrate a consistent effort to champion social equity, environmental sustainability, and public health improvement.
In her personal life, Watson Coleman has been named one of the most influential women in New Jersey politics and is recognized for her advocacy work and influence within the Democratic Party. She has two children and has remained a significant figure in both state and national politics, often representing the needs and interests of her constituents in Central New Jersey.
Bonnie Watson Coleman's legislative efforts and committee activities illustrate her commitment to addressing the challenges faced by her constituents, with a focus on social justice, education, and public health initiatives that have far-reaching implications in her district and beyond.