With a campaign poster for Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman visible behind her, Shanel Robinson is introducing herself to voters across New Jersey’s 12th Congressional District through her first television advertisement, emphasizing military service, public leadership, and a message focused on breaking through political gridlock in Washington.
The ad, titled “The Mission Is Necessary,” began airing over Memorial Day weekend as part of a cable television and digital campaign backed by a $30,000 media buy. Robinson, a three-term Somerset County Commissioner and U.S. Air Force veteran, appears directly on camera as she makes her case to succeed Watson Coleman, who is retiring after six terms in Congress.
Throughout the ad, Robinson highlights her background in uniform, featuring images from her time serving as an Air Force avionics specialist and flight leader alongside visuals of military aircraft and scenes from her work in county government. Her campaign frames that experience as the foundation for the leadership style she says she would bring to Capitol Hill.
Robinson has built her public profile around themes of discipline, integrity, and public service. She made history as the first Black woman to serve as Somerset County Commissioner Director and currently leads initiatives tied to public health, infrastructure investment, economic development, mental health services, public safety, and historic preservation. She also serves as president of the New Jersey Association of Counties and participates on statewide boards focused on planning, housing, diversity, and community well-being.
Before joining county government, Robinson served on the Franklin Township Council and later as deputy mayor, where she advocated for youth programs, senior services, and broader community engagement.
Her congressional platform centers on affordability, expanding healthcare access, strengthening small businesses, workforce development, education investment, infrastructure modernization, and public safety.
In a safely Democratic district that Kamala Harris carried by 24 points in 2024, the race is expected to be decided in the Democratic primary. Robinson faces a crowded field of eleven opponents competing to succeed Watson Coleman in one of New Jersey’s most closely watched congressional contests.
