U.S. Representative Bonnie Watson Coleman, who has represented New Jersey’s 12th district in Congress since 2015, recently used her social media platform to address issues related to civil rights funding, the legacy of John Lewis, and the Justice Department’s handling of high-profile cases.
On July 17, 2025, Watson Coleman criticized a Republican proposal affecting federal housing oversight: “The Republican funding bill for the Department of Housing and Urban Development cuts funding for civil rights enforcement by 67%. I offered an amendment to remove these cuts, and protect all Americans from housing discrimination.”
Later that same day, she marked the anniversary of the passing of civil rights leader John Lewis: “Five years ago today, we lost my friend and personal hero, John Lewis. John meant so much to so many of us. Now more than ever we need righteous, fearless fighters like him.”
In another post on July 18, 2025, Watson Coleman responded critically to recent developments involving the U.S. Department of Justice and Breonna Taylor’s case: “Just when you think this Justice Department can’t get any lower. Breonna Taylor’s life was worth more than this.”
Watson Coleman succeeded Rush Holt Jr. in Congress after previously serving in the New Jersey General Assembly from 2006 to 2010. She was born in Camden in 1945 and currently resides in Ewing Township. The congresswoman earned her BA from Thomas Edison State University in 1985.
