Bonnie Watson Coleman

03/15/2023 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 03/15/2023 14:51

Rep. Watson Coleman Statement on the Passing of State Senator Ronald L. Rice

March 15, 2023

Rep. Watson Coleman Statement on the Passing of State Senator Ronald L. Rice

EWING, N.J. (March 15, 2023) - Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman issued the following statement on the passing of former New Jersey State Senator Ron Rice:

"I am heartbroken to hear of Ron's passing. New Jersey has lost a consummate public servant, and I have lost a dear friend.

"Senator Rice exemplified everything a public servant should be. From his service in the Marines to his 36 years in the state legislature, his was a life lived for his community and his country. As New Jersey's longest-serving Black lawmaker, he was an outspoken voice for the voiceless and never compromised on his convictions.

"Always putting principles over politics, Senator Rice never backed down from a fight he knew to be morally right. His dedication to the Black and low-income people of our state never wavered, even when that meant being a thorn in the side of his fellow lawmakers. New Jersey is a better place because of him.

"In tendering his resignation from the Legislature, Senator Rice called serving in public office 'the honor of his life.' To have called him a friend is among the greatest honors of mine.

"The Rice family will be in my prayers during this difficult time. Rest in peace, dear friend."