Jersey City, NJ, USA: Indian-American Democrat Jay Vaingankar has officially entered the contest to represent New Jersey’s 12th congressional district, aiming to become the state’s first Gen-Z member of the U.S. Congress.
Vaingankar, 27, who grew up in Mercer County, previously served in the U.S. Department of Energy during President Joe Biden’s administration. He launched his congressional campaign on December 8, seeking to follow long-time Democratic representative Bonnie Watson Coleman.
A first-generation American and the son of Indian immigrants, Vaingankar completed his education at the University of Pennsylvania. He worked on Joe Biden’s 2020 presidential campaign, later joining the White House Office of Management and Administration after Biden took office. By 2022, he transitioned to the Energy Department as a policy advisor, a role he held until the end of the Biden administration earlier this year.
Sharing his vision for the district, Vaingankar said his priorities include reducing everyday costs, protecting healthcare and reproductive freedoms, expanding housing options, improving transportation systems, and ensuring equal opportunities for families.
In his announcement video, he said, “I’m Jay Vaingankar, and I’m running for Congress in New Jersey’s 12th District because this community has the energy and spirit that our country needs.”
Several other Democratic contenders are also in the race, including Assemblywoman Verlina Reynolds-Jackson (D-Trenton), Somerset County Commissioner Shanel Robinson (D-Franklin), East Windsor Mayor Brad Cohen, Plainfield Mayor Adrian Mapp, fitness entrepreneur Kyle Little, and former West Windsor mayoral candidate Sujit Singh.
Vaingankar’s candidacy adds to the growing presence of Indian-Americans in U.S. politics, following recent successes by figures such as Zohran Mamdani, and active campaigns from leaders like Tina Shah and Janak Joshi. Indian-American representation in public office is currently at one of its strongest levels.
