New Jersey
Middlesex Democrats pick Brad Cohen in NJ 12th Democratic primary
Charles Stile breaks down Gov. Sherrill’s first budget address
NorthJersey.com Columnist, Charles Stile, gives his take of Gov. Sherrill’s budget address, Tuesday, March 10, 2026, in Trenton.
The crowded race for the Democratic nomination to replace retiring U.S. Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman in New Jersey’s 12th Congressional District is shaping up as a contest largely divided along county lines in the district stretching from Trenton to Plainfield.
The district is considered safely Democratic, making the winner of the June 2 primary the overwhelming favorite in the November general election.
The latest development came March 11, when the Middlesex County Democratic organization endorsed East Brunswick Mayor Brad Cohen.
The Democratic primary field includes Sue Altman, Cohen, Trenton activist Elijah Dixon, small‑business owner Kyle Little, Plainfield Mayor Adrian Mapp, Assemblywoman Verlina Reynolds‑Jackson, Somerset County Commissioner Shanel Robinson and West Windsor Democrat Sujit Singh.
Middlesex County Democratic Organization Chairman Kevin P. McCabe called 2026 a pivotal election year and cited Cohen’s record of local leadership as a key reason for the endorsement.
“I have known Mayor Cohen as the mayor of East Brunswick, and he has helped transform that community,” McCabe said. “I am excited to see him bring the change he has brought to Route 18 to Washington. The progress we believe in does not happen by accident — it takes electing the right people.”
Mapp, a four‑term mayor and the only candidate from Union County, has pointed to his executive experience and record on economic redevelopment, housing investment and health care access as central to his campaign. He has emphasized affordability and municipal leadership as qualifications for Congress.
Mapp has been endorsed by the Union County Democratic Committee.
Robinson, a Franklin Township resident and Somerset County commissioner, helped break a decades‑long Republican hold on county government in 2018 and has since served on the all‑Democratic county commission. A former Air Force mechanic, she has emphasized her background in public service and emergency response, including Somerset County’s recovery efforts following Hurricane Ida.
Robinson has been endorsed by Assemblyman Joe Danielsen, D‑17, and the Somerset County Democratic Veterans Caucus. The Somerset County Democratic Committee is scheduled to meet March 18.
Reynolds‑Jackson, whose legislative district includes southwestern Hunterdon County, West Windsor and Trenton, has received the endorsement of the Mercer County Democratic organization.
She has highlighted her legislative work on affordability, including efforts to protect families from medical debt, expand access to paid family leave and support public education.
Altman, the state director for U.S. Sen. Andy Kim and the Democratic nominee in the neighboring 7th Congressional District in 2024, is also seeking the nomination. She has focused her campaign on voting rights, environmental protection and government accountability and brings statewide political experience to the race.
Email: srussell@gannettnj.com
Suzanne Russell is a breaking news reporter for MyCentralJersey.com covering crime, courts and other mayhem. To get unlimited access, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.