NJ-12 Congressional Candidates To Face Off At Public Forum Ahead Of June Primary

MERCER COUNTY, NJ — The candidates seeking to succeed Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman in Congress will share a stage Friday at The College of New Jersey, where the retiring congresswoman herself plans to attend.

The People's Coalition Forum for Congressional District 12 candidates is scheduled from 7:30 to 9 p.m. at TCNJ's Mayo Concert Hall. The event is free and open to the public. Registration is available here.

Watson Coleman, who represents NJ-12, announced she will not seek re-election. The June 2 Democratic primary will determine who advances to compete for her seat.

Two moderators will pose identical questions to each candidate, with equal time allotted for responses.

Watson Coleman said she looks forward to hearing from the field of candidates.

"The people of this district deserve someone who has the courage to speak out when something is wrong, and the conviction to stand up for the people they represent," she said in a statement. "I'm looking forward to being there and hearing from the candidates seeking the privilege of representing my home district."

The forum is organized by the New Jersey People's Coalition, a volunteer grassroots organization that includes community organizers, civic leaders and activists. The group's stated mission is to ensure elected representatives champion the well-being of working families.

"A few months ago, bringing this coalition together was just an idea discussed over coffee," said Aly Azhar, a founding member of the coalition. "Now we are hosting this forum with the support of an incredible group of engaged co-sponsors, and we are thrilled the Congresswoman herself will be attending and participating."

Candidates include Matt Adams, Michael Anderson, Elijah Dixon, Dr. Adam Hamawy, Kyle Little, Shanel Y. Robinson, Squire Severance, Sujit Singh, Iziah Thompson, Jay Vaingankar, Sam Wang and Brad Cohen.

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