Former New Jersey Gov. James Florio endorsed Assemblywoman Bonnie Watson Coleman on Thursday to fill U.S. Rep. Rush Holt's seat in Congress, the Trentonian reported.
"Bonnie Watson Coleman has been a strong, determined leader in the Democratic Party for many years and I believe she is the perfect choice to represent the 12th Congressional District," Florio said of the 15th District assmeblywoman.
"Bonnie has always been on the right side of the issues that matter most for New Jersey families, fighting to increase the minimum wage and working every day in the Legislature for critical education funding and against cuts to women's health care. Bonnie has never shied away from the tough fights and has always stood on the front lines battling for her constituents. We need that type of leadership in Washington."
Holt announced last week that he would not be seeking re-election to represent New Jersey's 12 District.
"Like many throughout New Jersey I was surprised to hear Rush Holt would not be running for re-election," Florio said. "The Congressman has been a fierce advocate for his district in Washington and will leave a legacy of excellence upon his retirement from Congress."
Watson Coleman said she was flattered for receiving Florio's endorsement and thanked him for his support.
"I am very proud and very humbled that he would endorse me," the assemblywoman said Thursday. "He knew my dad, he's known me for more years than I walk to talk about right now. He knows that I'm a hard worker and that I stand up for the things I believe in."
Though she has received a number of other endorsements, she currently faces Linda Greenstein (D-Middlesex) and Assemblyman Upendra Chivukula (D-Somerset) in the primary. If she wins, she would become the first African American female to represent New Jersey in U.S. Congress.
