LEADER JEFFRIES STATEMENT ON RETIREMENT ANNOUNCEMENT OF CONGRESSWOMAN BONNIE WATSON COLEMAN

House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries issued the following statement after Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman announced she would not seek another term in the House of Representatives:

Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman has never been afraid to speak truth to power. During her time in public service, Rep. Watson Coleman has been a historic leader, an inspiring trailblazer and an incredible advocate for those she has been privileged to represent.

As the first Black woman from New Jersey to serve in the House of Representatives, her iconic leadership has opened the door for a new generation of leaders. Continuing the legendary legacy of her late father, Rep. Watson Coleman broke barriers as the Majority Leader of the New Jersey General Assembly. During her time in the Assembly, she fought for the least, the lost and the left-behind and led the effort to help formerly-incarcerated individuals successfully reenter their communities.

In the Congress, Bonnie twice passed the CROWN Act through the People's House to ban discrimination based on an individual's hair texture and established the Congressional Caucus on Black Women and Girls. She has brought funding home to her constituents and led House Democrats in introducing bills that support women and children, protect our communities and stand up for economic, social and racial justice.

Her entire career has been focused on making America live up to its promise of liberty and justice for all. Rep. Watson Coleman will be deeply missed by the House Democratic Caucus and we wish her, her husband William and their family the very best in this next chapter.

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