State Representative Jolanda Jones, a candidate in the special election for Texas’s 18th Congressional District, announced the endorsement of Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman of New Jersey.

Watson Coleman, the first Black woman to represent New Jersey in Congress, serves on the House Appropriations and Budget Committees. She is chair of the House Democratic Caucus’s Task Force on Poverty, a Deputy Whip for Policy, and a member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus Executive Board.

In announcing her support, Watson Coleman described Jones as an experienced legislator with a record of standing on the frontlines for justice, equality, and opportunity. She highlighted Jones’s role as a member of the Progressive Caucus in the Texas Legislature, noting her willingness to confront issues such as redistricting maps, and pointed to her ability to advance legislation in a Republican-controlled chamber while maintaining Democratic principles.

Watson Coleman said she viewed Jones as a leader who would fight for vulnerable communities in Washington, strengthen the Congressional Black Caucus, and deliver federal resources to the district. She also announced a personal contribution to Jones’s campaign and expressed her intention to work alongside her in Congress if elected.

Jones, in turn, called the endorsement an honor and pledged to uphold the trust of both Watson Coleman and the constituents of the 18th Congressional District. She emphasized her commitment to protecting Social Security, public education, health care, constitutional rights, and other priorities she described as under threat.

Polling in the race indicates a competitive contest. A University of Houston Hobby School of Public Affairs survey conducted in July 2025 found Amanda Edwards and Christian Menefee tied at 19 percent support among likely voters, with Jones and Carmen Maria Montiel each receiving 14 percent. Twenty-seven percent of respondents were undecided. An internal poll released by the Jones campaign showed her in first place with 25.3 percent, followed by Montiel.

The special election in Texas’s 18th Congressional District has drawn significant attention as candidates work to consolidate support in a crowded field.