JUST IN: Longtime Congressional Leader Announces Retirement

A longtime New Jersey Congresswoman is calling it quits.

Democrat Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman, D-N.J., announced Monday she won’t seek another term in Congress, joining a growing list of aging lawmakers in the 119th Congress heading for the exits.

“I made a commitment years ago to always lead the charge on behalf of those I represent, and I believe I have fulfilled that commitment to the very best of my abilities,” Coleman said in a post on X. “I have always stood on the front lines in the fight for principled progressive policies.”

“While I am not seeking re-election, there is still more to be done in my last year in public office,” she added. “I absolutely intend to continue serving my constituents in the 12th District straight through to the last day of my term.”

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Coleman, 80, has represented New Jersey’s 12th District since 2015 and previously served in the state legislature for nearly two decades. She easily won re-election in 2024, defeating Republican challenger Darius Mayfield with 61.2% of the vote. Even without her incumbency, the seat is expected to remain safely blue.

Her announcement follows a wave of retirements among senior Democrats, including former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, 85, who last week said she won’t seek re-election in 2026. Sens. Dick Durbin of Illinois and Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire, both in their late 70s and 80s, have also said they’re stepping down.

Questions about age have dogged both parties as Capitol Hill’s most familiar faces hang on deep into their 70s and 80s. Senator Mitch McConnell, 83, has also said he won’t run again, further underscoring a generational shift in Washington.

“I believe now is the time to pass the torch to the next leader who will continue leading this charge,” Coleman said.

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