WASHINGTON — Congressional Progressive Caucus Deputy Chair Rep. Ilhan Omar (MN-05) issued the following statement following the announcements that CPC Members Representatives Chuy García (IL-04), Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), and Nydia Velázquez (NY-07) will not seek reelection:
“Congressman Chuy García has been a steadfast fighter for working people throughout his time in Congress. As our Whip during the 119th Congress, he is an effective organizer, unifying our members as the CPC becomes an ever-more powerful bloc of votes for progressive change. As a champion of well-paying jobs, sustainable transportation, and international solidarity, including peace and diplomacy abroad, he will leave behind an incredible legacy of progressive coalition building. In Congress, Congressman García has extended his lifelong leadership in championing a fair, humane immigration system, both by advancing fixes to existing legislation and proposing more structural reform. From expanding access to quality education to fighting for affordable housing and working to improve economic opportunities for working people—Rep. García has been an undeniable force. Our Caucus looks forward to working with him through 2026 and wishes him a wonderful conclusion to his Congressional tenure.
“Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman has been a trailblazer and dedicated force for working families throughout her half century of public service. As the first African American woman to represent New Jersey in the U.S. House of Representatives, Bonnie quickly became one of the most active voices in CPC’s leadership, providing vital input into caucus strategy, including critical deliberations in our fight to retain the family-focused supports of the comprehensive Build Back Better agenda of 2022, which included generational investments in child care, housing, and senior care. She was one of the earliest and loudest voices calling for an end to U.S. participation in Netanyahu’s vicious military assault on Gaza and its people, inspiring her colleagues to also stand up against this intolerable injustice across two presidential administrations. The Congresswoman has been a thought leader and tireless advocate to build an economy for all, make crucial reforms to our criminal justice system, achieve health equity, and eliminate poverty. Her legislative innovations include pressing big corporations to share their profits with rank-and-file workers, a pilot program to provide guaranteed income in the fight against poverty, and forcing ICE agents to identify themselves with uniforms and badges during raids. Our Caucus has been proud to have her as a devoted Member and look forward to our shared fight for justice over the course of the next year.
“Congresswoman Velázquez has had a storied career as a Latina pioneer in the halls of Congress, inspiring millions over the course of her decades as a progressive legislator. Coming from humble origins in Puerto Rico, Velázquez eventually wielded the gavel as chair of the House Small Business Committee, creating opportunities for women, minority and veteran entrepreneurs, so they could get a fair shake. A consistent and principled voice for peace and justice—for example, a voice and vote against the 2003 Iraq War, U.S. military weapons for Israel’s assault on Gaza, and the Saudi war on Yemen—she has influenced her colleagues with an alternative vision. She has championed equality, self-determination, and mutual respect in international relations as an alternative to the Monroe Doctrine that has too often guided U.S. foreign policy and its colonial behaviors toward her native Puerto Rico. She has also been a critical mentor to a new generation of progressive lawmakers in Congress and New York, showing us how to fiercely defend vulnerable communities and fight for working people against the ultra-rich and powerful, who use their money to corrupt the political process. Most recently, for example, she led progressives in demanding answers for Trump’s $20 billion to prop up a right-wing ally in Argentina and bail out financial corporations invested in its bonds while Americans saw their food assistance slashed and healthcare stripped away. My Progressive Caucus colleagues and I are proud to have served alongside her and look forward to her continued work over the rest of this Congress.”
