Jay Vaingankar Gets Indian American Impact Fund Endorsement In NJ-12

India-West News Desk

WASHINGTON, DC – 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.

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.

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.

Announcing the endorsement, Indian American Impact Fund 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.”

Vaingankar said his campaign will focus on issues including healthcare access, lowering utility bills, and strengthening community representation.

“The cost-of-living crisis and the daily attacks from the Trump Administration remind us that no matter where our parents came from, our destinies are intertwined,” he said. “I’m proud to build a broad coalition that ensures our community has a seat at the table.”