Princeton Junction: The campaign of Gen Z former Biden White House official Jay Vaingankar announced that he has officially qualified for the April 26 Democratic primary debate for New Jersey’s 12th Congressional District, securing a spot on stage in a competitive field of 13 candidates.
Vaingankar is one of just five candidates so far to meet the debate’s qualification criteria, which include raising at least $250,000 or earning endorsements from elected leaders across the district. Several long-time elected officials and establishment candidates have not qualified.
“This campaign has always been about making our voices heard through organizing on the ground,” said Gen Z former Biden White House official Jay Vaingankar. “We’re proud to have made the debate stage because of the voters backing us across NJ-12 who want a new generation of leadership focused on lowering costs, achieving universal health care, and putting an end to forever wars.”
The debate, hosted by the New Jersey Globe, will take place on Sunday, April 26, at 7:00 pm at Rider University and will air nationally on C-SPAN, with a livestream available online.
Since launching in December, Vaingankar’s campaign has emerged as a top contender in the race. The campaign has raised over $260,000 to date and earned endorsements from leaders like former U.S. Energy Secretary and Michigan Governor Jennifer M. Granholm and support from organizations like the Indian American Impact Fund and AAPI Victory Fund. The campaign has also drawn national attention after taking on MAGA figures like Laura Loomer, who launched racist attacks in response to Vaingankar’s outreach to Hindi- and Spanish-speaking communities across the district.
