Bonnie Coleman — Democrat Candidate for U.S. House in New Jersey, 2026

Congresswoman Bonnie Coleman voted against Department of Homeland Security (DHS) funding bills in 2026, citing a lack of reforms to curb abuses by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). She advocates for dismantling DHS, replacing it with an immigration system that respects community rights and safety. Coleman also introduced the Fundamental Immigration Fairness Act (FIFA) to prevent immigration arrests in federal court, aiming to promote trust in the legal system and reduce detention of nonviolent individuals.

““When speaking to constituents over the past several weeks, the most frequent concern I’ve heard is with regards to ICE’s brutality and disregard for people’s rights. The actions by ICE and DHS have shown a complete lack of accountability and care. They are simply out-of-control. It’s why I called for the impeachment of Secretary Noem, who has failed to acknowledge a problem with her department, let alone put forward a plan to correct. And, it’s why I’ve called for dismantling DHS and replacing it with an immigration system that respects the rights and safety of every member of our community. When I said 'not one cent more to ICE,' I meant it." — Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman, Press Release, February 03, 2026.”

Bonnie Coleman has consistently opposed healthcare cuts, including those in various Continuing Resolution votes. She voted "Nay" on H.R. 6703: Lower Health Care Premiums for All Americans Act, asserting that such legislation would lead to increased avoidable deaths by reducing health coverage for millions. She advocates for extending ACA premium tax credits.

“"This bill will cost lives," said Watson Coleman. "When health coverage rates go down, avoidable deaths go up. Every time Republicans force a vote on cutting healthcare, what they are really doing is voting to risk the lives of tens of thousands of their fellow Americans. Anyone who voted to end these subsidies has a hand in the deaths of thousands of Americans.” (Watson Coleman, InsiderNJ and watsoncoleman.house.gov, November 12, 2025)”

Representative Bonnie Watson Coleman co-introduced the Upper Raritan River Watershed Wild and Scenic River Study Act. This bipartisan legislation proposes that the National Park Service conduct a feasibility study. The study would evaluate the Upper Raritan River and its key tributaries for potential inclusion in the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System, aimed at conserving these natural resources.

Congresswoman Bonnie Coleman supports a woman's right to choose and access to comprehensive reproductive health care services, including contraception and education on all reproductive options. She voted against H.R. 7, the No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion and Abortion Insurance Full Disclosure Act of 2015, and H.R. 36, the Pain Capable Unborn Child Protection Act, stating that the government should not interfere in decisions between a woman and her medical doctor. Ms. Coleman co-chairs the Congressional Reproductive Freedom Caucus.

““I share the consensus with the 78% of American voters, including New Jerseyans in the 12th Congressional District, who believe the government should not interfere in a discussion reserved for a woman and her medical doctor. I am committed to protecting women’s access to comprehensive reproductive health care services, including access to contraceptives; education regarding all reproductive options; and support for women before, during, and after the birth of a child. I will continue to defend a woman's right to choose and vigorously oppose attacks against it.” — Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman, Press Release on the 42nd Anniversary of Roe v. Wade”

Bonnie Watson Coleman supported the Additional Ukraine Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2022 and the Ukraine Security Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2024. She also voted for the CHIPS and Science Act to invest in strategic U.S. sectors and supply chains. Conversely, she opposed the Israel Security Assistance Support Act, arguing it enabled immediate aid without legal accountability, and voted against extending funding for the Department of Homeland Security. She urged legislative action on the Iran War Powers Resolution.

Representative Bonnie Coleman opposed President Donald Trump's proposed 15% reduction, a $12 billion cut, to the Education Department's budget. During a House Appropriations Committee hearing, she emphasized that the Department of Education is vital to the country. Coleman accused the administration of racial bias in its education policies, reflecting her strong opposition to the proposed funding decrease.

“Your rhetoric means nothing to me. What means something to me is the actions of this administration. I’m telling you, the Department of Education is one of the most important departments in this country. And you should feel shameful to be engaged with an administration that doesn’t give a damn." — Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman, Fox News, 2026”

Congresswoman Bonnie Coleman supports stricter gun policy, citing the devastating toll of gun violence on families and communities. She co-introduced and voted for the Stop Online Ammunition Sales Act to place safeguards on online ammunition sales. Additionally, she cosponsors the Protecting Our Kids Act (H.R. 7910) to ban semi-automatic weapon sales to individuals under 21 and has sponsored legislation for handgun licensing and registration. She has received an "F" grade from Gun Owners of America.

“"For years, we've watched the toll of gun violence grow while Congress fails to act. The numbers tell a devastating story, but behind every statistic is a family and a community grieving their loss. Regulating online ammunition…" - Bonnie Watson Coleman, watsoncoleman.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases”