By: Richard L. Smith
With longtime Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman stepping aside and not seeking reelection, the race to represent New Jersey’s 12th Congressional District has quickly become one of the most closely watched contests in the state heading into the 2026 election cycle.
The open seat has attracted a large number of Democratic candidates, each hoping to earn the party’s nomination in the June primary.
The district, which covers communities across Central Jersey, including Trenton, Princeton, Plainfield, and portions of Mercer, Middlesex, Somerset, and Union counties, has historically leaned strongly Democratic, making the primary race especially significant.
According to a joint statement released by SandSJ and the New Jersey Institute for Social Justice, a broad field of candidates has already declared campaigns for the seat. 
Those running include Matt Adams, Sue Altman, Mike Anderson, Brad Cohen, Elijah Dixon, Adam Hamawy, Ray Heck, Kyle Little, Adrian Mapp, Rick Morales, Verlina Reynolds-Jackson, Shanel Robinson, Squire Servance, Sujit Singh, Iziah Thompson, Jay Vaingankar, and Sam Wang.
In an effort to give voters an opportunity to hear directly from the candidates, SandSJ and the New Jersey Institute for Social Justice announced plans to host a nonpartisan candidate forum for the district.
Organizers say the event is intended to provide a neutral setting where candidates can discuss their priorities and answer questions from the community.
According to the joint statement, the “CD-12 Candidates Forum” will take place on Saturday, April 11, from 10 a.m. to noon at First Baptist Church of Lincoln Gardens, located at 771 Somerset Street in Somerset.
The primary election for New Jersey’s 12th Congressional District is scheduled for June 2, 2026. With the seat open and a crowded slate of contenders entering the race, political observers say the upcoming primary will likely determine who ultimately represents the district in Congress.