Watson Coleman endorses Danielsen in Assembly primary

Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-Ewing) endorsed Assemblyman Joe Danielsen (D-Franklin Twp) in the primary of his re-election bid. 

Danielsen is running alongside Assemblyman Kevin Egan (D-New Brunswick) in the 17th legislative district, and the pair faces one Democratic challenger: Piscataway Board of Education member Loretta Rivers. Rivers is running on the “Democrats for Change” slate with Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop, who is backing a slate of Assembly candidates throughout the state.

“Today’s political developments have plunged our state and our nation into uncertain times. We need strong, principled, and experienced leadership which is essential to protect our democratic institutions and to continue to fight for the values that our state represents,” Watson Coleman said. “While I have been trying to hold the line in Washington, Assemblyman Joe Danielsen has done the very same in Trenton.”

For months, there was speculation that Danielsen and Egan could face a significant primary challenge, especially as two white men representing a district that’s only 26% white. Danielsen also faced ire from some progressives who criticized his sponsorship of a much-maligned OPRA reform bill.

Rather, Watson Coleman said Danielsen is an effective progressive legislator.

“Joe has been a strong and progressive voice on issues such as gun safety, affordable housing, job creation, education access, criminal justice reform, and tackling environmental threats,” Watson Coleman said. “For these reasons, I hope you will join me in supporting my friend Joe Danielsen on June 10th.”

Danielsen called Watson Coleman one of the most “principled and experienced” legislators in the country and thanked her for the endorsement.

“Across the country, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman is an icon for standing up for progressive values, protecting working families, and taking on radical right-wing Republicans like Donald Trump,” Danielsen said in a release. “But I know her as a friend, a mentor, and a guiding light who has inspired me in my service to Legislative District 17. I thank her for her faith and continued support of me.”

Watson Coleman has also endorsed Newark Mayor Ras Baraka for governor and former Gov. Jim McGreevey for mayor in Jersey City.