HILLSBOROUGH, NJ – State Sen. Andrew Zwicker, a physicist at the Princeton Plasma Laboratory who has served residents of the 16th District in the state Assembly and state Senate since 2016, announced Friday that he is staying put, and will not seek to replace Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman in the House of Representatives. when she retires from her 12th Congressional seat in 2026.

Watson-Coleman, who has represented the 12th Congressional District in central Jersey since 2015, announced last month that she was retiring, but would serve out her term, which ends next year.

Zwicker was one of many names mentioned as a possible candidate; he had run in the Democratic Primary for the 12th Congressional seat in 2014 when former Rep, Rush Holt retired. Zwicker finished fourth in the 4-person Primary that was won by Watson Coleman.

Zwicker, who maintains his 16th District legislative office in Hillsborough, released the following statement Friday:

“After much reflection, I have decided not to seek the open seat for New Jersey’s 12th Congressional District following the retirement of our legendary Congresswoman, Bonnie Watson Coleman. She has been a trailblazer and a tireless advocate for New Jersey, and her legacy of service will inspire generations to come.

“This is a time of great challenge and opportunity in New Jersey, and there is still much to be done. While I am deeply honored by the encouragement l’ve received to run, I believe my most impactful path forward at this time is to continue my work in the State Senate. I remain fully committed to working to improve the lives of families in the 16th Legislative District and across New Jersey.

“The strong field of candidates who have stepped forward is a testament to the vibrant leadership within our community. At this stage, I will not be making an endorsement in the primary, as I believe the voters of the 12th District deserve the space to engage with each candidate’s vision. I look forward to supporting our eventual nominee and ensuring that this seat remains a powerful voice for progress in the nation’s capital.”

Zwicker, 61, has served in the New Jersey Senate from the 16th Legislative District since 2022. He previously served in the New Jersey General Assembly representing the 16th District from 2016 to 2022.

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