East Brunswick Mayor Brad Cohen announced today that he’s entering the race for Congress in New Jersey’s 12th Congressional District, a seat currently held by Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman.
In a statement released this morning, Cohen positioned himself as a Democrat willing to “fight for Central New Jersey” and “stand up for democracy at a time when the clouds of authoritarianism are on the horizon.” He emphasized his record as mayor, stating that he has served “without cutting deals or subverting values,” and highlighted his desire to deliver tangible victories to residents, including cost-of-living relief, as well as improvements in energy and healthcare policy.
The announcement comes just hours after Rep. Watson Coleman confirmed she will not seek reelection in 2026. In her statement, she reflected on decades of public service and said it was time “to pass the torch to the next leader who will continue leading this charge.”
Watson Coleman has had a long and influential career in New Jersey politics, known for her progressive stances and outspoken leadership. At the same time, she has drawn mixed reviews within the state — praised by supporters for her advocacy on equity and social justice, while others have criticized her approach as overly partisan or disconnected from local priorities.
For longtime readers of Eyes on EB, today’s news might not come as a complete surprise. Back in March 2025, we noted that Mayor Cohen had held what several residents described as a quiet “feeling-out meeting” about a potential congressional bid — early signs that his ambitions may have extended beyond East Brunswick.
Now, with the seat officially open, those early discussions appear to have taken shape. For local residents, the focus will shift to how the mayor balances campaign efforts with township responsibilities, and how East Brunswick’s leadership transitions during this pivotal period.
Eyes on EB will continue to follow developments closely as the race for New Jersey’s 12th Congressional District begins to take form.
