New York: The Indian American Impact Fund has endorsed Jay Vaingankar in his campaign for Congress in New Jersey’s 12th District, the organization announced March 10. India travel
Vaingankar, a former White House and U.S. Department of Energy official, is seeking the seat in a district described by the group as the second-largest South Asian American congressional district in the country. If elected, he would become the first South Asian American to represent New Jersey in Congress.
Announcing the endorsement, Indian American Impact Found Executive Director Chintan Patel said the organization supports Vaingankar’s candidacy because of his policy experience and focus on economic concerns.“We are proud to endorse Jay Vaingankar because he represents a new generation of leadership grounded in service,” Patel said in a statement. “Families across Central Jersey are feeling the pressure of rising housing and utility costs, and Jay understands that affordability must be front and center in Washington.”
The 28-year-old candidate grew up in Hightstown, New Jersey, in a community he said includes more than 60 languages. The son of immigrants from Mumbai, Vaingankar said his background shaped his commitment to public service.
“Growing up as the son of Indian immigrants, I didn’t have elected representatives who looked like me, but I know how important it is for communities like ours to have a voice in Washington,” Vaingankar said in a statement announcing the endorsement.
After graduating from the University of Pennsylvania, he worked as a community organizer before joining the Biden administration. Vaingankar later spent four years working in the White House and the Department of Energy on clean energy policy, including investments directed to New Jersey.
He has since returned to the state to work in community solar initiatives aimed at increasing energy supply and lowering electricity costs for households.
