Bonnie Watson Coleman

Bonnie Watson Coleman

Democratic Party

Candidate, U.S. House New Jersey District 12

U.S. House New Jersey District 12

Tenure

2015 - Present

Term ends

2025

Years in position

9

Predecessor

Rush D. Holt, Jr.

Prior offices

New Jersey General Assembly District 15

Successor: Elizabeth Maher Muoio

---

Compensation

Base salary

$174,000

Elections and appointments

Last elected

November 8, 2022

Next election

November 5, 2024

Education

Bachelor's

Thomas Edison State College

Contact

Official website

Official Facebook

Official Twitter

Official Instagram

Official YouTube

Campaign website

Campaign Facebook

Personal Facebook

Bonnie Watson Coleman (Democratic Party) is a member of the U.S. House, representing New Jersey's 12th Congressional District. She assumed office on January 3, 2015. Her current term ends on January 3, 2025.

Coleman (Democratic Party) is running for re-election to the U.S. House to represent New Jersey's 12th Congressional District. She declared candidacy for the general election scheduled on November 5, 2024.

Coleman was first elected in 2014 to replace retiring incumbent Rush Holt Jr. (D), who had represented the district since 1998. Coleman defeated four opponents in the June 3 Democratic primary, receiving 43.0 percent of the vote to 27.8 percent for Linda Greenstein, her closest competitor. Coleman won the November general election with 61.0 percent of the vote.

Before being elected to Congress, Coleman was a Democratic member of the New Jersey General Assembly, representing District 15 since 1997. Coleman served as Assembly majority leader from 2006 to 2009 and was the majority conference leader in 2014. She was the first woman to chair the Democratic Party of New Jersey, holding the position from 2002 to 2006.

Prior to serving as an elected official, Coleman worked for the New Jersey state government, including stints in the Department of Community Affairs and the Department of Transportation.

Coleman was the first black woman elected to the House from New Jersey.

Biography

Coleman earned her B.A. from Thomas Edison State College in 1985. Her professional experience includes working as assistant commissioner for the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs in 1992, as bureau chief for the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs in 1980 and as director of the New Jersey Department of Transportation from 1974 to 1980.

Career

Below is an abbreviated outline of Coleman's academic, professional, and political career:

• 2015-Present: U.S. Representative from New Jersey's 12th Congressional District
• 2006-2009: New Jersey State Assembly Majority Leader
• 2002-2006: Member, New Jersey State Democratic Committee
• 1998-2014: New Jersey State Assembly, District 15
• 1985: Graduated from Thomas Edison State College with a B.A.

Committee assignments

U.S. House

2023-2024

Coleman was assigned to the following committees:^[Source]

• House Committee on Appropriations
• Labor, Health and Human Services, Education
• Transportation, Housing and Urban Development

2021-2022

Coleman was assigned to the following committees:^[Source]

• Committee on Homeland Security
• Transportation and Maritime Security, Chair
• Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Recovery
• House Committee on Appropriations
• Energy and Water Development, and Related Agencies
• Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies
• Transportation, and Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies

2019-2020

Coleman was assigned to the following committees:^[Source]

• House Committee on Appropriations
• Committee on Homeland Security

2017-2018

At the beginning of the 115th Congress, Watson Coleman was assigned to the following committees:

• Committee on Homeland Security
• Committee on Oversight and Government Reform

2015-2016

Watson Coleman served on the following committees:

• Homeland Security Committee
  • Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Communications
  • Subcommittee on Oversight, Investigations, and Management, Ranking Member
• Oversight and Government Reform Committee
  • Subcommittee on Health Care, Benefits, and Administrative Rules
  • Subcommittee on Transportation and Public Assets

New Jersey General Assembly

2014-2015

At the beginning of the 2014 legislative session, Watson Coleman served on the following committees:

New Jersey committee assignments, 2014
• Education, Vice-Chair
• New Jersey Legislative Select Committee on Investigation

2010-2012

In the 2010-2012 legislative session, Watson Coleman served on the following committees:

New Jersey committee assignments, 2010
• Commerce and Economic Development
• Education

Key votes

See also: Key votes

Ballotpedia monitors legislation that receives a vote and highlights the ones that we consider to be key to understanding where elected officials stand on the issues. To read more about how we identify key votes, click here.

Key votes: 117th Congress, 2021-2023

The 117th United States Congress began on January 3, 2021 and ended on January 3, 2023. At the start of the session, Democrats held the majority in the U.S. House of Representatives (222-213), and the U.S. Senate had a 50-50 makeup. Democrats assumed control of the Senate on January 20, 2021, when President Joe Biden (D) and Vice President Kamala Harris (D), who acted as a tie-breaking vote in the chamber, assumed office. We identified the key votes below using Congress' top-viewed bills list and through marquee coverage of certain votes on Ballotpedia.

Key votes: 117th Congress, 2021-2023
Vote	Bill and description	Status
Yea	Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act   The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (H.R. 3684) was a federal infrastructure bill passed by the 117th Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden (D) on November 15, 2021. Among other provisions, the bill provided funding for new infrastructure projects and reauthorizations, Amtrak maintenance and development, bridge repair, replacement, and rehabilitation, clean drinking water, high-speed internet, and clean energy transmission and power infrastructure upgrades. The bill required a simple majority vote in the House. Click here to read more.	Passed (228-206)
Yea	American Rescue Plan Act of 2021   The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (H.R. 1319) was a bill passed by the 117th Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden (D) on March 11, 2021, to provide economic relief in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Key features of the bill included funding for a national vaccination program and response, funding to safely reopen schools, distribution of $1,400 per person in relief payments, and extended unemployment benefits. The bill required a simple majority vote in the House. Click here to read more.	Passed (220-210)
Yea	Inflation Reduction Act of 2022   The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (H.R. 5376) was a bill passed by the 117th Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden (D) on August 16, 2022, to address climate change, healthcare costs, and tax enforcement. Key features of the bill included a $369 billion investment to address energy security and climate change, an extension of Affordable Care Act subsidies, allowing Medicare to negotiate certain drug prices, a 15% corporate minimum tax, a 1% stock buyback fee, and enhanced Internal Revenue Service (IRS) enforcement, and an estimated $300 billion deficit reduction from 2022-2031. The bill required a simple majority vote in the House. Click here to read more.	Passed (220-207)
Yea	Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement Act   The Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement Act (H.R. 3617) was a bill approved by the House of Representatives that sought to decriminalize marijuana, establish studies of legal marijuana sales, tax marijuana imports and production, and establish a process to expunge and review federal marijuana offenses. The bill required a simple majority vote in the House.	Passed (220-204)
Yea	For the People Act of 2021   The For the People Act of 2021 (H.R. 1) was a federal election law and government ethics bill approved by the House of Representatives. The Congressional Research Service said the bill would "expand voter registration (e.g., automatic and same-day registration) and voting access (e.g., vote-by-mail and early voting). It [would also limit] removing voters from voter rolls. ... Further, the bill [would address] campaign finance, including by expanding the prohibition on campaign spending by foreign nationals, requiring additional disclosure of campaign-related fundraising and spending, requiring additional disclaimers regarding certain political advertising, and establishing an alternative campaign funding system for certain federal offices." The bill required a simple majority vote in the House. Click here to read more.	Passed (220-210)
Yea	Assault Weapons Ban of 2022   The Assault Weapons Ban of 2022 (H.R. 1808) was a bill passed by the House of Representatives that sought to criminalize the knowing import, sale, manufacture, transfer, or possession of semiautomatic assault weapons (SAW) or large capacity ammunition feeding devices (LCAFD). The bill made exemptions for grandfathered SAWs and LCAFDs. It required a simple majority vote in the House.	Passed (217-213)
Nay	National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022   The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022 (S. 1605) was a bill passed by the 117th Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden (D) on December 27, 2021, authorizing Department of Defense acitivities and programs for fiscal year 2022. The bill required a simple majority vote in the House.	Passed (363-70)
Nay	James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023   The James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (H.R. 7776) was a bill passed by the 117th Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden (D) on December 23, 2022, authorizing Department of Defense activities and programs for fiscal year 2023. The bill required a 2/3 majority in the House to suspend rules and pass the bill as amended.	Passed (350-80)
Yea	American Dream and Promise Act of 2021   The American Dream and Promise Act of 2021 (H.R. 6) was an immigration bill approved by the House of Representatives that proposed a path to permanent residence status for unauthorized immigrants eligible for Temporary Protected Status or Deferred Enforced Departure, among other immigration-related proposals. The bill required a simple majority vote in the House.	Passed (228-197)
Yea	Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act of 2022   The Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act of 2022 (S. 3373) was a bill passed by the 117th Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden (D) on August 10, 2022, that sought to address healthcare access, the presumption of service-connection, and research, resources, and other matters related to veterans who were exposed to toxic substances during military service. The bill required a simple majority vote in the House.	Passed (342-88)
Yea	Chips and Science Act   The Chips and Science Act (H.R. 4346) was a bill approved by the 117th Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden (D) on August 9, 2022, which sought to fund domestic production of semiconductors and authorized various federal science agency programs and activities. The bill required a simple majority vote in the House.	Passed (243-187)
Yea	Women’s Health Protection Act of 2021   The Women's Health Protection Act of 2021 (H.R. 3755) was a bill passed by the House of Representatives. The bill proposed prohibiting governmental restrictions on the provision of and access to abortion services and prohibiting governments from issuing some other abortion-related restrictions. The bill required a simple majority vote in the House.	Passed (218-211)
Yea	SAFE Banking Act of 2021   The SAFE Banking Act of 2021 (H.R. 1996) was a bill passed by the House of Representatives that proposed prohibiting federal regulators from penalizing banks for providing services to legitimate cannabis-related businesses and defining proceeds from such transactions as not being proceeds from unlawful activity, among other related proposals. Since the House moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill in an expedited process, it required a two-thirds majority vote in the House.	Passed (321-101)
Yea	Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2022   The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2022 (H.R. 2471) was a bill passed by the 117th Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden (D) on March 15, 2022, providing for the funding of federal agencies for the remainder of 2022, providing funding for activities related to Ukraine, and modifying or establishing various programs. The bill required a simple majority vote in the House.	Passed (260-171)
Yea	Equality Act   The Equality Act (H.R. 5) was a bill approved by the House of Representatives that proposed prohibiting discrimination on the basis of sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity in areas including public accommodations and facilities, education, federal funding, employment, housing, credit, and the jury system, among other related proposals. The bill required a simple majority vote in the House.	Passed (224-206)
Yea	Respect for Marriage Act   The Respect for Marriage Act (H.R. 8404) was a bill passed by the 117th Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden (D) on December 13, 2022. The bill codified the recognition of marriages between individuals of the same sex and of different races, ethnicities, or national origins, and provided that the law would not impact religious liberty or conscience protections, or provide grounds to compel nonprofit religious organizations to recognize same-sex marriages. The bill required a simple majority vote in the House. Click here to read more.	Passed (258-169)
Yea	Continuing Appropriations and Ukraine Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2023   The Continuing Appropriations and Ukraine Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2023 (H.R. 6833) was a bill approved by the 117th Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden (D) on September 30, 2022. It provided for some fiscal year 2023 appropriations, supplemental funds for Ukraine, and extended several other programs and authorities. The bill required a simple majority vote in the House.	Passed (230-201)
Yea	Consumer Fuel Price Gouging Prevention Act   The Consumer Fuel Price Gouging Prevention Act (H.R. 7688) was a bill approved by the House of Representatives that sought to prohibit individuals from selling consumer fuels at excessive prices during a proclaimed energy emergency. It would have also required the Federal Trade Commission to investigate whether the price of gasoline was being manipulated. The bill required a simple majority vote in the House.	Passed (217-207)
Yea	Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2021   The Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2021 (H.R. 8) was a bill approved by the House of Representatives that sought to prohibit the transfer of firearms between private parties unless a licensed firearm vendor conducted a background check on the recipient. The bill also provided for certain exceptions to this requirement. The bill required a simple majority vote in the House.	Passed (227-203)
Yea	Freedom to Vote: John R. Lewis Act   The Freedom to Vote: John R. Lewis Act was a federal elections bill approved by the House of Representatives and voted down by the Senate in a failed cloture vote that sought to, among other provisions, make Election Day a public holiday, allow for same-day voter registration, establish minimum early voting periods, and allow absentee voting for any reason, restrict the removal of local election administrators in federal elections, regulate congressional redistricting, expand campaign finance disclosure rules for some organizations, and amend the Voting Rights Act to require some states to obtain clearance from the U.S. Department of Justice before implementing new election laws. The bill required a simple majority vote in the House. Click here to read more.	Passed (220-203)
Yea	Bipartisan Safer Communities Act   The Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (S. 2938) was a firearm regulation and mental health bill passed by the 117th Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden (D) on June 25, 2022. Provisions of the bill included expanding background checks for individuals under the age of 21, providing funding for mental health services, preventing individuals who had been convicted of a domestic violence misdemeanor or felony in dating relationships from purchasing firearms for five years, providing funding for state grants to implement crisis intervention order programs, and providing funding for community-based violence prevention initiatives. The bill required a simple majority vote in the House. Click here to read more.	Passed (234-193)
Yea	Impeaching Donald John Trump, President of the United States, for high crimes and misdemeanors.   This was a resolution before the 117th Congress setting forth an article of impeachment saying that Donald Trump (R) incited an insurrection against the government of the United States on January 6, 2021. The House of Representatives approved the article of impeachment, and the Senate adjudged that Trump was not guilty of the charges. The article of impeachment required a simple majority vote in the House. Click here to read more.	Passed (232-197)
Yea	Electoral Count Reform and Presidential Transition Improvement Act of 2022   The Electoral Count Reform and Presidential Transition Improvement Act was a bill passed by the 117th Congress in the form of an amendment to a year-end omnibus funding bill that was signed into law by President Joe Biden (D) on December 23, 2022. The bill changed the procedure for counting electoral votes outlined in the Electoral Count Act of 1887. Elements of the bill included specifying that the vice president's role at the joint session of congress to count electoral votes is ministerial, raising the objection threshold at the joint session of congress to count electoral votes to one-fifth of the members of both the House of Representatives and the Senate, identifying governors as the single official responsible for submitting the certificate of ascertainment identifying that state’s electors, and providing for expedited judicial review of certain claims about states' certificates identifying their electors. The bill required a simple majority vote in the House. Click here to read more.	Passed (225-201)

Key votes: Previous sessions of Congress

Key votes (click "show" to expand or "hide" to contract)

Key votes: 116th Congress, 2019-2020 Key votes: 115th Congress, 2017-2018 For detailed information about each vote, click here. Votes on domestic policy (click to expand) Voted Yea on: Agriculture and Nutrition Act of 2018 (Conference report) (HR 2)  Bill Passed (369-47) on December 12, 2018 Proposed providing funding for commodity support, conservation, trade and international food aid, nutrition assistance, farm credit, rural development, research and extension activities, forestry, horticulture, and crop insurance through fiscal year 2023. Voted Nay on: Agriculture and Nutrition Act of 2018 (HR 2 (second vote))  Bill Passed (213-211) on June 21, 2018 Proposed providing funding for commodity support, conservation, trade and international food aid, nutrition assistance, farm credit, rural development, research and extension activities, forestry, horticulture, and crop insurance. It also proposed modifying the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, previously known as the food stamp program. Voted Nay on: Securing America’s Future Act of 2018 (HR 4760)  Bill Failed (193-231) on June 21, 2018 Proposed funding a border wall, limiting legal immigration, a mandatory worker verification program, allowing DACA recipients to apply for legal status, and preventing separation of families at the border. Voted Yea on: Agriculture and Nutrition Act of 2018 (HR 2)  Bill Passed (369-47) on December 12, 2018 Reauthorizes through FY2023 and modifies some Department of Agriculture (USDA) programs. Voted Nay on: Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act (HR 36)  Bill Passed (237-189) on October 3, 2017 Proposed amending the federal criminal code to make it a crime for any person to perform or attempt to perform an abortion if the probable post-fertilization age of the fetus was 20 weeks or more. The bill provided exceptions for an abortion: (1) that was necessary to save the life of the pregnant woman, or (2) when the pregnancy was the result of rape or incest. Voted Nay on: Kate's Law (HR 3004)  Bill Passed (257-167) on June 29, 2017 Proposed increasing criminal penalties for individuals in the country illegally who were convicted of certain crimes, deported, and then re-entered the U.S. illegally. Voted Nay on: No Sanctuary for Criminals Act (HR 3003)  Bill Passed (228-195) on June 29, 2017 Proposed withholding federal funds from states and localities that chose not to follow federal immigration laws. Voted Nay on: American Health Care Act of 2017 (HR 1628)  Bill passed (217-213) on May 4, 2017 Proposed modifying the budgetary and fiscal provisions of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA), also known as Obamacare. Votes on economic affairs and regulations (click to expand) Voted Yea on: Department of Defense and Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Act, 2019 (Conference report) (HR 6157)  Bill Passed (361-61) on September 26, 2018 Proposed authorizing FY2019 appropriations and policies for the Departments of Defense, Health and Human Services (HHS), Labor, and Education. Voted Yea on: Energy and Water, Legislative Branch, and Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act, 2019 (Conference report) (HR 5895)  Bill Passed (377-20) on September 13, 2018 Proposed authorizing FY2019 appropriations and policies for the Department of Energy, water resources, the legislative branch, military construction, and the Department of Veterans Affairs, among other programs. Voted Nay on: Department of Defense and Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Act, 2019 (HR 6157)  Bill Passed (359-49) on June 28, 2018 Proposed authorizing FY2019 appropriations and policies for the Departments of Defense, Health and Human Services (HHS), Labor, and Education. Voted Nay on: Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2019 (HR 5895)  Bill Passed (235-179) on June 8, 2018 Proposed authorizing FY2019 appropriations and policies for the Department of Energy, water resources, the legislative branch, military construction, and the Department of Veterans Affairs, among other programs. Voted Nay on: Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection Act (S 2155)  Bill Passed (258-159) on May 22, 2018 Proposed exempting some banks from the Dodd–Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act Voted Nay on: Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2018 (HR 1625)  Bill Passed (256-167) on March 22, 2018 Proposed providing appropriations for fiscal year 2018, and for other purposes. Voted Nay on: The Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018 (HR 1892)  Bill Passed (240-186) on February 9, 2018 Proposed providing appropriations through March 23, 2018. Voted Nay on: Further Extension Of Continuing Appropriations Act, 2018 (HR 1892)  Bill Passed (245-182) on February 6, 2018 Proposed providing appropriations through March 23, 2018. Voted Nay on: Making further continuing appropriations for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2018, and for other purposes. (HR 195)  Bill Passed (266-150) on January 22, 2018 Proposed providing further continuing appropriations through February 8, 2018. Voted Nay on: Making further continuing appropriations for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2018, and for other purposes. (HR 195)  Bill Passed (230-197) on January 18, 2018 Proposed providing further continuing appropriations through February 16, 2018. Voted Nay on: Further Additional Continuing Appropriations Act, 2018 (HR 1370)  Bill Passed (231-188) on December 21, 2017 Proposed providing further continuing appropriations through January 19, 2018. Voted Nay on: Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (HR 1)  Bill Passed (227-203) on December 19, 2017 Proposed providing for reconciliation pursuant to titles II and V of the concurrent resolution on the budget for fiscal year 2018. Voted Nay on: Making further continuing appropriations for fiscal year 2018, and for other purposes (HJ Res 123)  Bill Passed (235-193) on December 7, 2017 Proposed funding the government until December 22, 2017. Voted Nay on: Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (HR 1)  Bill Passed (227-205) on November 16, 2017 Proposed amending the Internal Revenue Code to reduce tax rates and modify policies, credits, and deductions for individuals and businesses. Voted Nay on: Establishing the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2018 and setting forth the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2019 through 2027. (H Con Res 71)  Bill Passed (216-212) on October 26, 2017 Proposed establishing the congressional budget for the federal government for FY2018 and setting forth budgetary levels for FY2019-FY2027. (This bill proposed adopting the Senate's budget resolution.) Voted Nay on: Establishing the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2018 and setting forth the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2019 through 2027. (H Con Res 71)  Bill Passed (219-206) on October 5, 2017 Proposed establishing the congressional budget for the federal government for FY2018 and setting forth budgetary levels for FY2019-FY2027. Voted Nay on: Make America Secure and Prosperous Appropriations Act, 2018 (HR 3354)  Bill Passed (211-198) on September 14, 2017 Proposed providing FY2018 appropriations for the federal government. It combined 12 appropriations bills. Voted Yea on: Disaster Relief Appropriations Act, 2017 (Included amendments to suspend the debt ceiling and fund the government) (HR 601)  Bill Passed (316-90) on September 8, 2017 Proposed suspending the debt ceiling and funding the government until December 8, 2017, and providing funding for Hurricanes Harvey and Irma relief efforts. Disaster Relief Appropriations Act, 2017 (HR 601)  Bill Passed (419-3) on September 6, 2017 Proposed providing $7.85 billion for disaster relief requirements, including response and recovery efforts from Hurricane Harvey. Voted Nay on: Financial CHOICE Act of 2017 (HR 10)  Bill passed (233-186) on June 8, 2017 Proposed amending the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, among other acts. Voted Yea on: Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2017 (HR 244)  Bill passed (309-118) on May 3, 2017 Proposed a $1.2 trillion budget to fund the government through the end of the fiscal year on September 30, 2017. Votes on foreign policy and national security issues (click to expand) Voted Nay on: National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019 (HR 5515)  Bill Passed (351-66) on May 24, 2018 Proposed authorizing FY2019 appropriations and policies for Department of Defense (DOD) programs and activities Voted Nay on: Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2018 (HR 695)  Bill Passed (250-166) on January 30, 2018 Proposed providing appropriations for military functions administered by the Department of Defense and for other purposes, for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2018. Voted Nay on: National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018—Conference report (HR 2810)  Bill Passed (356-70) on November 14, 2017 Proposed authorizing FY2018 appropriations and setting forth policies for Department of Defense (DOD) programs and activities, including military personnel strengths. Voted Nay on: Make America Secure Appropriations Act, 2018 (HR 3219)  Bill Passed (235-192) on July 27, 2017 Proposed making appropriations for defense, military construction, Veterans Affairs, the Legislative Branch, energy and water development, and for other purposes for the fiscal year ending on September 30, 2018. Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (HR 3364)  Bill Passed (419-3) on July 25, 2017 Proposed providing congressional review and measures to counter aggression by the governments of Iran, the Russian Federation, and North Korea, and for other purposes. Voted Yea on: Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018 (HR 3180, second vote)  Bill Passed (380-35) on July 28, 2017 Proposed authorizing appropriations for fiscal year 2018 for intelligence and intelligence-related activities of the United States Government, the Community Management Account, and the Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability System, and for other purposes. Voted Nay on: Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018 (HR 3180)  Bill Failed (241-163) on July 24, 2017 Proposed authorizing appropriations for fiscal year 2018 for intelligence and intelligence-related activities of the United States Government, the Community Management Account, and the Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability System, and for other purposes. Voted Nay on: National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018 (HR 2810)  Bill Passed (344-81) on July 14, 2017 Proposed authorizing fiscal year 2018 appropriations and setting forth policies for Department of Defense (DOD) programs and activities, including military personnel strengths. It did not provide budget authority. Voted Nay on: Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2017 (HR 1301)  Bill passed (371-48) on March 8, 2017 The $577.9 billion fiscal year 2017 defense spending bill proposed $516.1 billion in base budget funding and $61.8 billion for Overseas Contingency Operations/ Global War on Terrorism funding. 114th Congress The first session of the 114th Congress enacted into law six out of the 2,616 introduced bills (0.2 percent). Comparatively, the 113th Congress had 1.3 percent of introduced bills enacted into law in the first session. In the second session, the 114th Congress enacted 133 out of 3,159 introduced bills (4.2 percent). Comparatively, the 113th Congress had 7.0 percent of introduced bills enacted into law in the second session. For more information pertaining to Watson Coleman's voting record in the 114th Congress, please see the below sections. Economic and fiscal Trade Act of 2015 See also: The Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal, 2015 Trade adjustment assistance On June 12, 2015, the House rejected the trade adjustment assistance (TAA) measure in HR 1314—the Trade Act of 2015—by a vote of 126-302. Trade adjustment assistance (TAA) is a federal program providing American workers displaced by foreign trade agreements with job training and services. The measure was packaged with trade promotion authority (TPA), also known as fast-track authority. TPA is a legislative procedure that allows Congress to define "U.S. negotiating objectives and spells out a detailed oversight and consultation process for during trade negotiations. Under TPA, Congress retains the authority to review and decide whether any proposed U.S. trade agreement will be implemented," according to the Office of the United States Trade Representative. Watson Coleman was one of 144 Democrats to vote against the bill. Trade promotion authority On June 12, 2015, the House passed the trade promotion authority (TPA) measure in HR 1314—the Trade Act of 2015 —by a vote of 219-211. TPA gives the president fast-track authority to negotiate trade agreements sent to Congress without the opportunity for amendment or filibuster. Although the House approved TPA, it was a largely symbolic vote given the measure was part of a package trade bill including trade adjustment assistance (TAA), which was rejected earlier the same day. Watson Coleman was one of 157 Democrats to vote against the measure. Trade promotion authority second vote After the trade adjustment assistance (TAA) and trade promotion authority (TPA) did not pass the House together on June 12, 2015, representatives voted to authorize TPA alone as an amendment to HR 2146—the Defending Public Safety Employees' Retirement Act—on June 18, 2015. The amendment passed by a vote of 218-208, with all voting members of the House maintaining his or her original position on TPA except for Ted Yoho (R-Fla.). Watson Coleman was one of 158 Democrats to vote against the amendment. Trade adjustment assistance second vote The House passed HR 1295—the Trade Preferences Extension Act of 2015—on June 25, 2015, by a vote of 286-138. The Senate packaged trade adjustment assistance (TAA) in this bill after the House rejected the TAA measure in HR 1314—the Trade Act of 2015. Along with trade promotion authority (TPA), which Congress passed as part of HR 2146—the Defending Public Safety Employees' Retirement Act—TAA became law on June 29, 2015. Watson Coleman was one of 175 Democrats to vote in favor of HR 1295. Defense spending authorization On May 15, 2015, the House passed HR 1735—the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016—by a vote of 269-151. The bill "authorizes FY2016 appropriations and sets forth policies for Department of Defense (DOD) programs and activities, including military personnel strengths. It does not provide budget authority, which is provided in subsequent appropriations legislation." Watson Coleman voted with 142 other Democrats and eight Republicans against the bill. The Senate passed the bill on June 18, 2015, by a vote of 71-25. President Barack Obama vetoed the bill on October 22, 2015. On November 5, 2015, the House passed S 1356—the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016—by a vote of 370-58. The second version of the $607 billion national defense bill included $5 billion in cuts to match what was approved in the budget and language preventing the closure of the Guantanamo Bay military prison. Watson Coleman voted with 48 other Democrats and nine Republicans against the bill. On November 10, 2015, the Senate passed the bill by a vote of 91-3, and President Barack Obama signed it into law on November 25, 2015. 2016 Budget proposal On April 30, 2015, the House voted to approve SConRes11, a congressional budget proposal for fiscal year 2016, by a vote of 226-197. The non-binding resolution was designed to create 12 appropriations bills to fund the government. All 183 Democrats who voted, including Watson Coleman, voted against the resolution. 2015 budget On October 28, 2015, the House passed HR 1314—the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015—by a vote of 266-167. The bill increased military and domestic spending levels and suspended the debt ceiling until March 2017. Watson Coleman voted with 186 Democrats and 79 Republicans in favor of the bill. It passed the Senate on October 30, 2015. President Barack Obama signed it into law on November 2, 2015. Foreign Affairs Iran nuclear deal See also: Iran nuclear agreement, 2015 On May 14, 2015, the House approved HR 1191—the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act of 2015—by a vote of 400-25. The bill required President Barack Obama to submit the details of the nuclear deal with Iran for congressional review. Congress had 60 days to review the deal and vote to approve, disapprove, or take no action on the deal. During the review period, sanctions on Iran could not be lifted. Watson Coleman voted with 176 Democrats to approve the bill. Approval of Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action On September 11, 2015, the House rejected HR 3461—To approve the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, signed at Vienna on July 14, 2015, relating to the nuclear program of Iran—by a vote of 162-269. The legislation proposed approving the nuclear agreement with Iran. Watson Coleman voted with 161 Democrats for the bill. Suspension of Iran sanctions relief On September 11, 2015, the House approved HR 3460—To suspend until January 21, 2017, the authority of the President to waive, suspend, reduce, provide relief from, or otherwise limit the application of sanctions pursuant to an agreement related to the nuclear program of Iran—by a vote of 247-186. HR 3460 prohibited "the President, prior to January 21, 2017, from: limiting the application of specified sanctions on Iran or refraining from applying any such sanctions; or removing a foreign person (including entities) listed in Attachments 3 or 4 to Annex II of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPA) from the list of designated nationals and blocked persons maintained by the Office of Foreign Asset Control of the Department of the Treasury." Watson Coleman voted with 185 Democrats against the bill. Presidential non-compliance of section 2 On September 10, 2015, the House passed H Res 411—Finding that the President has not complied with section 2 of the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act of 2015—by a vote of 245-186. Section 2 of the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act of 2015 required the president to submit all materials related to the nuclear agreement for congressional review. House Republicans introduced the resolution because two agreements between the International Atomic Energy Agency and Iran were not submitted to Congress. Watson Coleman voted with 185 Democrats against the resolution. Export-Import Bank On October 27, 2015, the House passed HR 597—the Export-Import Bank Reform and Reauthorization Act of 2015—by a vote of 313-118. The bill proposed reauthorizing the Export-Import Bank and allowing it to resume offering assistance in the form of loans and insurance to foreign companies that wanted to buy U.S. goods. Watson Coleman voted with 185 Democrats and 127 Republicans in favor of the bill. Domestic USA FREEDOM Act of 2015 On May 13, 2015, the House passed HR 2048—the Uniting and Strengthening America by Fulfilling Rights and Ensuring Effective Discipline Over Monitoring Act of 2015 or the USA FREEDOM Act of 2015—by a vote of 338-88. The legislation revised HR 3199—the USA PATRIOT Improvement and Reauthorization Act of 2005—by ending the bulk collection of metadata under Sec. 215 of the act, requiring increased reporting from the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court, and requiring the use of "a specific selection term as the basis for national security letters that request information from wire or electronic communication service providers, financial institutions, or consumer reporting agencies." Watson Coleman voted with 40 Democrats and 47 Republicans against the legislation. It became law on June 2, 2015. Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act On May 13, 2015, the House passed HR 36—the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act—by a vote of 242-184. The bill proposed prohibiting abortions from being performed after a fetus was determined to be 20 weeks or older. The bill proposed exceptions in cases of rape, incest, or to save the life of the mother. Watson Coleman voted with 179 Democrats against the bill. Cyber security On April 23, 2015, the House passed HR 1731—the National Cybersecurity Protection Advancement Act of 2015—by a vote of 355-63. The bill proposed creating an information sharing program that would allow federal agencies and private entities to share information about cyber threats. It also proposed including liability protections for companies. Watson Coleman voted with 134 Democrats and 220 Republicans to approve the bill. On April 22, 2015, the House passed HR 1560—the Protecting Cyber Networks Act—by a vote of 307-116. The bill proposed procedures that would allow federal agencies and private entities to share information about cyber threats. Watson Coleman voted with 78 Democrats and 37 Republicans against the bill. Immigration On November 19, 2015, the House passed HR 4038 - the American SAFE Act of 2015 by a vote of 289-137. The bill proposed instituting additional screening processes for refugees from Iraq and Syria who apply for admission to the U.S. Watson Coleman and five other Democrats did not vote.

Issues

Sponsored legislation

• A375 Raises age requirement of compulsory school attendance from 16 to 18 years old.
• A1558 Requires developers to offer solar energy systems in certain new home construction.
• A1741 Provides for receipt for voter at primary or general election; allows receipt to be proof of eligibility to vote in subsequent election; provides State reimbursement.
• A1774 Raises minimum wage to $8.25, then makes annual adjustments based on CPI increases.

National Political Awareness Test

Coleman's answers to the New Jersey State Legislative Election 2005 National Political Awareness Test are available. When asked her top priorities, she stated:

“

I will continue to advance legislation which promotes the construction of affordable housing, so that we can make New Jersey and affordable place for all income levels. Also, I plan to establish a Task Force on Education Reform for the purpose of looking at the best delivery systems for public education with an objective of finding ways to make it more efficient and cost effective to taxpayers, and consequently, lower property taxes.

”

Elections

2024

See also: New Jersey's 12th Congressional District election, 2024

Note: At this time, Ballotpedia is combining all declared candidates for this election into one list under a general election heading. As primary election dates are published, this information will be updated. Before the candidate filing deadline passes, Ballotpedia will separate these candidates into their respective primaries as appropriate.

General election

The general election will occur on November 5, 2024.

General election for U.S. House New Jersey District 12

Incumbent Bonnie Watson Coleman, Shola Coker, and Darius Mayfield are running in the general election for U.S. House New Jersey District 12 on November 5, 2024.

		Candidate
		Bonnie Watson Coleman (D)
		Shola Coker (R)
		Darius Mayfield (R)

---

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined.
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Endorsements

Ballotpedia is gathering information about candidate endorsements. To send us an endorsement, click here.

2022

See also: New Jersey's 12th Congressional District election, 2022

General election

General election for U.S. House New Jersey District 12

Incumbent Bonnie Watson Coleman defeated Darius Mayfield and C. Lynn Genrich in the general election for U.S. House New Jersey District 12 on November 8, 2022.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Bonnie Watson Coleman (D)	63.1	125,127
		Darius Mayfield (R)	35.9	71,175
		C. Lynn Genrich (L)	1.0	1,925

---

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 198,227
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for U.S. House New Jersey District 12

Incumbent Bonnie Watson Coleman advanced from the Democratic primary for U.S. House New Jersey District 12 on June 7, 2022.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Bonnie Watson Coleman	100.0	37,440

---

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 37,440
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Republican primary election

Republican primary for U.S. House New Jersey District 12

Darius Mayfield advanced from the Republican primary for U.S. House New Jersey District 12 on June 7, 2022.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Darius Mayfield	100.0	13,514

---

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 13,514
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

• Nick Catucci (R)

2020

See also: New Jersey's 12th Congressional District election, 2020

New Jersey's 12th Congressional District election, 2020 (July 7 Democratic primary)

New Jersey's 12th Congressional District election, 2020 (July 7 Republican primary)

General election

General election for U.S. House New Jersey District 12

Incumbent Bonnie Watson Coleman defeated Mark Razzoli, Robert Edward Forchion Jr., and Kenneth Cody in the general election for U.S. House New Jersey District 12 on November 3, 2020.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Bonnie Watson Coleman (D)	65.6	230,883
		Mark Razzoli (R)	32.6	114,591
		Robert Edward Forchion Jr. (Independent)	1.3	4,512
		Kenneth Cody (Truth Vision Hope Party)	0.5	1,739

---

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 351,725
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Watch the Candidate Conversation for this race!

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

• Stan Koshy (Independent)
• Zadok Rubin (People's Party)

Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for U.S. House New Jersey District 12

Incumbent Bonnie Watson Coleman defeated Lisa McCormick in the Democratic primary for U.S. House New Jersey District 12 on July 7, 2020.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Bonnie Watson Coleman	89.2	81,936
		Lisa McCormick	10.8	9,928

---

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 91,864
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Republican primary election

Republican primary for U.S. House New Jersey District 12

Mark Razzoli advanced from the Republican primary for U.S. House New Jersey District 12 on July 7, 2020.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Mark Razzoli	100.0	19,992

---

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 19,992
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

2018

See also: New Jersey's 12th Congressional District election, 2018

General election

General election for U.S. House New Jersey District 12

Incumbent Bonnie Watson Coleman defeated Daryl Kipnis in the general election for U.S. House New Jersey District 12 on November 6, 2018.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Bonnie Watson Coleman (D)	68.7	173,334
		Daryl Kipnis (R)	31.3	79,041

---

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 252,375
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for U.S. House New Jersey District 12

Incumbent Bonnie Watson Coleman advanced from the Democratic primary for U.S. House New Jersey District 12 on June 5, 2018.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Bonnie Watson Coleman	100.0	35,430

---

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified.	Total votes: 35,430
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

• Andrew Hartford (D)

Republican primary election

Republican primary for U.S. House New Jersey District 12

Daryl Kipnis advanced from the Republican primary for U.S. House New Jersey District 12 on June 5, 2018.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Daryl Kipnis	100.0	9,776

---

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified.	Total votes: 9,776
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

2016

See also: New Jersey's 12th Congressional District election, 2016

Heading into the election, Ballotpedia rated this race as safely Democratic. Incumbent Bonnie Watson Coleman (D) defeated Steven Uccio (R) and several third party candidates in the general election on November 8, 2016. Watson Coleman defeated Alexander Kucsma in the Democratic primary on June 7, 2016. Watson Coleman won re-election in the November 8 election.

U.S. House, New Jersey District 12 General Election, 2016

Party		Candidate	Vote %	Votes
	Democratic	Bonnie Watson Coleman Incumbent	62.9%	181,430
	Republican	Steven Uccio	32%	92,407
	Legalize Marijuana	Edward Forchion	2.1%	6,094
	Teddy Roosevelt Progressive	Robert Shapiro	1%	2,775
	Libertarian	Thomas Fitzpatrick	0.9%	2,482
	Green	Steven Welzer	0.7%	2,135
	We the People	Michael Bollentin	0.5%	1,311
Total Votes				288,634
Source: New Jersey Division of Elections

U.S. House, New Jersey District 12 Democratic Primary, 2016

Candidate	Vote %	Votes
Bonnie Watson Coleman Incumbent	93.6%	66,479
Alexander Kucsma	6.4%	4,525
Total Votes		71,004
Source: New Jersey Division of Elections

2014

See also: New Jersey's 12th Congressional District elections, 2014

Coleman won election in 2014 to the U.S. House to represent New Jersey's 12th District. Coleman won the Democratic nomination in the primary on June 3, 2014. She went on to defeat Alieta Eck (R), Steven Welzer (G), Kenneth Cody ("Truth Vision Hope"), Allen Cannon (Democratic-Republican), Don Dezarn ("Legalize Marijuana Party") and Jack Freudenheim ("Start the Conversation") in the general election. The general election took place on November 4, 2014.

U.S. House, New Jersey District 12 General Election, 2014

Party		Candidate	Vote %	Votes
	Democratic	Bonnie Watson Coleman	61%	90,430
	Republican	Alieta Eck	36.5%	54,168
	Green	Steven Welzer	0.6%	890
	Truth Vision Hope	Kenneth Cody	0.4%	567
	Democratic-Republican	Allen Cannon	0.3%	450
	Legalize Marijuana	Don Dezarn	0.9%	1,330
	Start the Conversation	Jack Freudenheim	0.4%	531
Total Votes				148,366
Source: New Jersey Division of Elections

U.S. House, New Jersey District 12 Democratic Primary, 2014

Candidate	Vote %	Votes
Bonnie Watson Coleman	43%	15,603
Linda Greenstein	27.8%	10,089
Upendra Chivukula	21.8%	7,890
Andrew Zwicker	7.4%	2,668
Total Votes		36,250
Source: New Jersey Division of Elections - Official Election Results

Media

Bonnie Watson Coleman 2014 campaign ad

Endorsements

Coleman was endorsed by the following groups:

• The New Jersey Laborers Union
• The United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America
• The Communications Workers of America (CWA) Local 1039
• The Service Employees International Union (SEIU)

2013

See also: New Jersey General Assembly elections, 2013

Coleman won re-election in the 2013 election for New Jersey General Assembly District 15. Coleman was bracketed with Reed Gusciora. She was unopposed in the June 4 Democratic primary. She and incumbent Reed Gusciora (D) defeated Kim Taylor (R) and Anthony Giordano (R) in the general election, which took place on November 5, 2013.

New Jersey General Assembly, District 15 General Election, 2013
Party		Candidate	Vote %	Votes
	Democratic	Bonnie Watson Coleman Incumbent	31.4%	29,109
	Democratic	Reed Gusciora Incumbent	31.1%	28,848
	Republican	Anthony Giordano	18.8%	17,429
	Republican	Kim Taylor	18.7%	17,310
Total Votes				92,696

Endorsements

In 2013, Coleman’s endorsements included the following:

• The New Jersey AFL-CIO
• Planned Parenthood Action Fund of New Jersey

2011

See also: New Jersey General Assembly elections, 2011

Coleman won re-election in 2011. Coleman and incumbent Reed Gusciora ran unopposed in the Democratic Primary on June 7. They then defeated Peter Yull and Kathy Kilcommons in the November 8 general election.

New Jersey General Assembly District 15 General Election, 2011
Party		Candidate	Vote %	Votes
	Democratic	Reed Gusciora Incumbent	32.5%	20,350
	Democratic	Bonnie Watson Coleman Incumbent	32.8%	20,505
	Republican	Peter Yull	17.3%	10,817
	Republican	Kathy Kilcommons	17.4%	10,914
Total Votes				62,586

Endorsements

In 2011, Coleman’s endorsements included the following:

• New Jersey State AFL-CIO

2009

See also: New Jersey General Assembly elections, 2009

Coleman successfully won re-election in the November 3, 2009, general election. Bracketed with Reed Gusciora, they defeated Republican challengers Kim Taylor and Werner Graf, as well as Libertarian challengers Daryl Mikell Brooks and Charles Green.

New Jersey Assembly General Election, Fifteenth Legislative District (2009)
Candidates		Votes
Bonnie Watson Coleman (D)		29,713
Reed Gusciora (D)		29,215
Kim Taylor (R)		15,418
Werner Graf (R)		14,781
Daryl Mikell Brooks (L)		939
Charles Green (L)		884

Campaign themes

2024

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

Bonnie Watson Coleman has not yet completed Ballotpedia's 2024 Candidate Connection survey. Send a message to Bonnie Watson Coleman asking her to fill out the survey. If you are Bonnie Watson Coleman, click here to fill out Ballotpedia's 2024 Candidate Connection survey.

Who fills out Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey?

Any candidate running for elected office, at any level, can complete Ballotpedia's Candidate Survey. Completing the survey will update the candidate's Ballotpedia profile, letting voters know who they are and what they stand for.  More than 15,000 candidates have taken Ballotpedia's candidate survey since we launched it in 2015. Learn more about the survey here.

You can ask Bonnie Watson Coleman to fill out this survey by using the button below or emailing Info@bonnieforcongress.com.

2022

Bonnie Watson Coleman did not complete Ballotpedia's 2022 Candidate Connection survey.

2020

Bonnie Watson Coleman did not complete Ballotpedia's 2020 Candidate Connection survey.

2016

The following issues were listed on Coleman's campaign website. For a full list of campaign themes, click here.

“	Job Creation: Americans are still in the process of recovering from the recession, and while it may take some time before American optimism in the economy returns, creation of opportunities for economic prosperity is more important than ever. Bonnie Watson Coleman believes in the greatness of our nation. She also believes that fixing the economy should be a bipartisan effort and that there are many issues on which to find common ground. Education: Bonnie Watson Coleman is committed to providing every child with the opportunity to receive a quality education. Our children should love learning. To create a safe and engaging environment that encourages critical thinking, schools and families need support. Bonnie Watson Coleman is a strong advocate for our public school system. She believes in the guarantee of equal education to all children and the diversity that is promoted by public schools. Bonnie Watson Coleman believes that a strong public school system is critical to the United States maintaining its high standard of education. Bonnie Watson Coleman recognizes that while charter schools may serve specific niches and limited purposes, they should not be a replacement for the public school system. Energy & Environment: Reducing our fossil fuel dependence will make America a stronger, safer place to live. Whether it is open space and farmland preservation, protecting natural wildlife habitats, or holding polluters accountable for their carbon footprint, Bonnie Watson Coleman is putting the environment first. Gun Violence: Stories of gun violence are palpable in every community and there are no borders. As a society, we must do more to change the story by passing stronger gun control laws. Health Care: Bonnie Watson Coleman understands that health care is a basic need. Prior to the implementation of the Affordable Care Act, millions of Americans were deprived of the ability to obtain quality and affordable health care.	”
—Bonnie Watson Coleman's campaign website, http://www.bonnieforcongress.com/issues

Notable endorsements

See also: Ballotpedia: Our approach to covering endorsements

This section displays endorsements this individual made in elections within Ballotpedia's coverage and endorsements scopes.

Notable endorsements by Bonnie Watson Coleman

Endorsee	Election	Stage	Outcome
Barbara Lee  source  (D)	U.S. Senate California (2024)	Primary	–
Joe Biden  source  (D)	President of the United States (2020)	Primary	Won General
Cory Booker  source  (D)	President of the United States (2020)		Withdrew in Convention
Hillary Clinton  source  (D)	President of the United States (2016)	Primary	Lost General

Campaign donors

Comprehensive donor history

---

Note: The finance data shown here comes from the disclosures required of candidates and parties. Depending on the election or state, this may represent only a portion of all the funds spent on their behalf. Satellite spending groups may or may not have expended funds related to the candidate or politician on whose page you are reading this disclaimer. Campaign finance data from elections may be incomplete. For elections to federal offices, complete data can be found at the FEC website. Click here for more on federal campaign finance law and here for more on state campaign finance law.

---

Bonnie Watson Coleman campaign contribution history

Year	Office	Status	Contributions
2024	U.S. House New Jersey District 12	Candidacy Declared general	$318,663
2022	U.S. House New Jersey District 12	Won general	$930,457
2020	U.S. House New Jersey District 12	Won general	$806,729
2016	U.S. House, New Jersey District 12	Won general	$1,092,697
2014	U.S. House (New Jersey, District 12)	Won general	$1,395,927
2011	New Jersey General Assembly District 15	Won general	$500,706
2009	New Jersey General Assembly District 15	Won general	$802,529
2007	New Jersey General Assembly District 15	Won general	$468,827
2005	New Jersey General Assembly District 15	Won general	$344,311
2003	New Jersey General Assembly District 15	Won general	$192,697
2001	New Jersey General Assembly District 15	Won general	$139,743
1999	New Jersey General Assembly District 15	Won general	$64,458
1997	New Jersey General Assembly District 15	Won general	$108,154
Grand total raised			$7,165,899
Sources: OpenSecrets,  Federal Elections Commission * This product uses the openFEC API but is not endorsed or certified by the Federal Election Commission (FEC).

2020

U.S. House New Jersey District 12 2020 election - Campaign Contributions
Top individual contributors to Bonnie Watson Coleman's campaign in 2020
Unitemized	$70,523.00
American Crystal Sugar	$10,000.00
Machinists/Aerospace Workers Union	$10,000.00
Teamsters Union	$10,000.00
International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers	$10,000.00
Amalgamated Transit Union	$10,000.00
American Federation of State/Cnty/Munic Employees	$10,000.00
Johnson & Johnson	$10,000.00
Plumbers/Pipefitters Union Local 9	$10,000.00
Sheet Metal, Air, Rail & Transportation Union	$10,000.00
Total Raised in 2020	$802,294.36
Total Spent	$848,941.86
Source: Follow the Money

2016

Coleman won re-election to the U.S. House in 2016. During that election cycle, Coleman's campaign committee raised a total of $1,092,697 and spent $998,668. This is less than the average $1.46 million spent by U.S. House winners in 2016.

Cost per vote

Coleman spent $5.5 per general election vote received in 2016.

U.S. House, New Jersey District 12, 2016 - Bonnie Watson Coleman Campaign Contributions

Total Raised	$1,092,697
Total Spent	$998,668
Total Raised by Election Runner-up	$0
Total Spent by Election Runner-up	$0
Top contributors to Bonnie Watson Coleman's campaign committee
JStreetPAC	$18,835
Honeywell International	$15,400
Plumbers/Pipefitters Union	$15,000
Princeton University	$11,825
Carpenters & Joiners Union	$11,800
Top 5 industries that contributed to campaign committee
Lawyers/Law Firms	$72,175
Public Sector Unions	$54,500
Building Trade Unions	$53,800
Industrial Unions	$48,575
Pharmaceuticals/Health Products	$44,175
Source: Open Secrets

2014

Coleman won election to the U.S. House in 2014. During that election cycle, Coleman's campaign committee raised a total of $1,395,927 and spent $1,388,282. This is less than the average $1.45 million spent by House winners in 2014.

Cost per vote

Coleman spent $15.35 per general election vote received in 2014.

U.S. House, New Jersey District 12, 2014 - Bonnie Watson Coleman Campaign Contributions

Total Raised	$1,395,927
Total Spent	$1,388,282
Total Raised by Election Runner-up	$223,878
Total Spent by Election Runner-up	$223,878
Top contributors to Bonnie Watson Coleman's campaign committee
Ross, Feller & Casey	$15,600
NRG Energy	$15,500
County of Mercer	$10,900
AmeriPAC: The Fund for a Greater America	$10,000
BRIDGE PAC	$10,000
Top 5 industries that contributed to campaign committee
Lawyers/Law Firms	$104,671
Retired	$77,960
Leadership PACs	$66,000
Building Trade Unions	$48,600
Health Professionals	$47,851
Source: Open Secrets

To view the breakdown of campaign funding by type click [show] to expand the section.
Breakdown of the source of Coleman's campaign funds before the 2014 election.

Candidates for Congress were required to file up to seven main reports with the Federal Election Commission during the 2014 elections season. Below are Coleman's reports.

Bonnie Watson Coleman (2014) Campaign Finance Reports
Report	Date Filed	Beginning Balance	Total Contributions for Reporting Period	Expenditures	Cash on Hand
April Quarterly	April 15, 2014	$0.00	$124,260.49	$(20,281.33)	$103,979.16
			Running totals
			$124,260.49	$(20,281.33)

2011

Bonnie Watson Coleman won re-election to the New Jersey General Assembly in 2011. During that election cycle, Bonnie Watson Coleman raised a total of $500,706.

New Jersey General Assembly 2011 election - Campaign Contributions
Top contributors to Bonnie Watson Coleman's campaign in 2011
Afscme	$15,700
New Jersey Education Association	$13,200
New Jersey State Laborers	$8,200
1199 Seiu United Healthcare Workers East	$8,200
Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 9	$7,000
Total Raised in 2011	$500,706
Source: Follow the Money

2009

Bonnie Watson Coleman won re-election to the New Jersey General Assembly in 2009. During that election cycle, Bonnie Watson Coleman raised a total of $802,529.

New Jersey General Assembly 2009 election - Campaign Contributions
Top contributors to Bonnie Watson Coleman's campaign in 2009
New Jersey Association of Realtors	$16,400
New Jersey Regional Council of Carpenters	$16,400
New Jersey Education Association	$14,200
New Jersey Business & Industry Association	$10,700
New Jersey Builders Association	$9,000
Total Raised in 2009	$802,529
Source: Follow the Money

2007

Bonnie Watson Coleman won re-election to the New Jersey General Assembly in 2007. During that election cycle, Bonnie Watson Coleman raised a total of $468,827.

New Jersey General Assembly 2007 election - Campaign Contributions
Top contributors to Bonnie Watson Coleman's campaign in 2007
New Jersey Regional Council of Carpenters	$16,400
New Jersey Association of Realtors	$14,200
New Jersey Business & Industry Association	$13,400
Naiop New Jersey Chapter	$12,000
New Jersey Apartment Association	$11,200
Total Raised in 2007	$468,827
Source: Follow the Money

2005

Bonnie Watson Coleman won re-election to the New Jersey General Assembly in 2005. During that election cycle, Bonnie Watson Coleman raised a total of $344,311.

New Jersey General Assembly 2005 election - Campaign Contributions
Top contributors to Bonnie Watson Coleman's campaign in 2005
New Jersey State Laborers	$16,400
International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers	$10,000
New Jersey Association of Realtors	$7,750
New Jersey Regional Council of Carpenters	$7,200
Ironworkers Local 68	$6,750
Total Raised in 2005	$344,311
Source: Follow the Money

2003

Bonnie Watson Coleman won re-election to the New Jersey General Assembly in 2003. During that election cycle, Bonnie Watson Coleman raised a total of $192,697.

New Jersey General Assembly 2003 election - Campaign Contributions
Top contributors to Bonnie Watson Coleman's campaign in 2003
International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers	$19,400
Election Fund of Reed Gusciora	$4,193
Community Corrections Corp	$3,000
Center for Health Affairs	$3,000
Peterson, Rocky L	$2,700
Total Raised in 2003	$192,697
Source: Follow the Money

2001

Bonnie Watson Coleman won re-election to the New Jersey General Assembly in 2001. During that election cycle, Bonnie Watson Coleman raised a total of $139,743.

New Jersey General Assembly 2001 election - Campaign Contributions
Top contributors to Bonnie Watson Coleman's campaign in 2001
New Jersey Democratic Party	$46,000
First Jersey Cmte	$7,200
Democratic National Cmte	$4,593
New Jersey State Carpenters	$4,100
New Jersey Education Association	$3,600
Total Raised in 2001	$139,743
Source: Follow the Money

1999

Bonnie Watson Coleman won re-election to the New Jersey General Assembly in 1999. During that election cycle, Bonnie Watson Coleman raised a total of $64,458.

New Jersey General Assembly 1999 election - Campaign Contributions
Top contributors to Bonnie Watson Coleman's campaign in 1999
Democratic Senatorial Campaign Cmte	$10,600
Electrical Workers Local 269	$6,900
New Jersey Education Association	$4,250
New Jersey State Carpenters Local 31	$2,500
New Jersey Association of Realtors	$2,500
Total Raised in 1999	$64,458
Source: Follow the Money

1997

Bonnie Watson Coleman won election to the New Jersey General Assembly in 1997. During that election cycle, Bonnie Watson Coleman raised a total of $108,154.

New Jersey General Assembly 1997 election - Campaign Contributions
Top contributors to Bonnie Watson Coleman's campaign in 1997
New Jersey State Democratic Party	$35,392
Doria Democratic Leadership Fund	$11,250
Election Fund of Bob Smith	$5,000
New Jersey Education Association	$3,000
Democratic Congressional Campaign Cmte	$2,500
Total Raised in 1997	$108,154
Source: Follow the Money

Scorecards

See also: State legislative scorecards and State legislative scorecards in New Jersey

A scorecard evaluates a legislator’s voting record. Its purpose is to inform voters about the legislator’s political positions. Because scorecards have varying purposes and methodologies, each report should be considered on its own merits. For example, an advocacy group’s scorecard may assess a legislator’s voting record on one issue while a state newspaper’s scorecard may evaluate the voting record in its entirety.

Ballotpedia is in the process of developing an encyclopedic list of published scorecards. Some states have a limited number of available scorecards or scorecards produced only by select groups. It is Ballotpedia’s goal to incorporate all available scorecards regardless of ideology or number.

Click here for an overview of legislative scorecards in all 50 states.  To contribute to the list of New Jersey scorecards, email suggestions to editor@ballotpedia.org.

2013

In 2013, the 215th New Jersey State Legislature, second annual session, was in session from January 10 to January 13, 2014.

• Americans for Prosperity: Taxpayer Scorecard, 215th Legislative Session

• Legislators are scored on how they voted on tax and fiscal legislation.

• Clean Water Action: Legislative Scorecard 2010-2013

• Legislators are scored on environment and conservation issues.

• New Jersey League of Conservation Voters: 2013 Legislative Environmental Scorecard

• Legislators are scored on their votes concerning environmental issues.

• New Jersey Taxpayers Alliance: 2013 Taxpayer Legislative Scorecards

• Legislators are scored on their votes concerning New Jersey’s individual and corporate taxpayer communities.
• Assembly scorecard
• Senate scorecard

• The American Conservative Union: 2013 Legislative scorecard

• Legislators are scored on their votes on conservative issues.

2012

To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2012, click [show].

In 2012, the 215th New Jersey State Legislature, first annual session, was in session from January 10 to January 9, 2013. Americans for Prosperity: Taxpayer Scorecard, 215th Legislative Session Legislators are scored on how they voted on tax and fiscal legislation. Clean Water Action: Legislative Scorecard 2010-2013 Legislators are scored on environment and conservation issues. The American Conservative Union: 2012 Legislative scorecard Legislators are scored on their votes on conservative issues.

Analysis

Lifetime voting record

See also: Lifetime voting records of United States Senators and Representatives

According to the website GovTrack, Coleman missed 4 of 548 roll call votes from January 2015 to September 2015. This amounted to 0.7 percent, which was lower than the median of 2.2 percent among representatives as of September 2015.

Personal

Note: Please contact us if the personal information below requires an update.
Coleman and her husband, William, have three children.

Noteworthy events

Tested positive for coronavirus on January 11, 2021

See also: Politicians, candidates, and government officials diagnosed with or quarantined due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, 2020

Coronavirus pandemic
Select a topic from the dropdown below to learn more. Political responses overviewState reopening plansDocumenting America's Path to RecoveryElection changesChanges to vote-by-mail and absentee voting proceduresFederal responsesState responsesState executive ordersStay-at-home ordersMultistate agreementsNon-governmental reopening plansEvictions and foreclosures policiesTravel restrictionsEnacted state legislationState legislative session changesSchool closuresState court closuresInmate releasesLocal government responsesDiagnosed or quarantined politiciansBallot measure changesArguments about government responsesThe 1918 influenza pandemicPandemic Response Accountability CommitteeUnemployment filingsLawsuitsBallotpedia's polling on the coronavirus pandemicSubmit

On January 11, 2021, Coleman announced that she had tested positive for coronavirus.

See also

2024 Elections

What's on the ballot? U.S. President U.S. Congress U.S. Congress special elections State executives State legislatures State courts Ballot measures Municipal government School boards Election analysis hub

Government

Who represents me? U.S. Congress State executives State legislators State courts Ballot measures Municipal government School boards

Newsletters

The Daily Brew The Weekly Brew The Ballot Bulletin Checks and Balances Economy and Society Hall Pass Number of the Day Robe & Gavel Union Station

External links

Search Google News for this topic

Candidate

U.S. House New Jersey District 12

Website

Facebook

Officeholder

U.S. House New Jersey District 12

Website

Facebook

Twitter

Instagram

YouTube

Personal

Facebook

Footnotes

Political offices
Preceded by Rush D. Holt, Jr. (D)	U.S. House New Jersey District 12 2015-Present	Succeeded by -
Preceded by -	New Jersey General Assembly District 15 1998-2015	Succeeded by Elizabeth Maher Muoio (D)

[show]

New Jersey's current delegation to the United States Congress

Senators

Cory Booker (D)

Bob Menendez (D)

Representatives

District 1

Donald Norcross (D)

District 2

Jeff Van Drew (R)

District 3

Andrew Kim (D)

District 4

Chris Smith (R)

District 5

Josh Gottheimer (D)

District 6

Frank Pallone (D)

District 7

Thomas Kean (R)

District 8

Robert Menendez (D)

District 9

Bill Pascrell (D)

District 10

Donald Payne (D)

District 11

Mikie Sherrill (D)

District 12

Bonnie Coleman (D)

Democratic Party (11)

Republican Party (3)