Tina Shah Loses Bid For Key New Jersey House Seat

India-West News Desk

NEW JERSEY – Dr. Tina Shah lost the Democratic primary in New Jersey’s 7th Congressional District on June 2, ending her bid to become the first Indian American to represent New Jersey in Congress.

Shah, who served as an adviser in the Obama and Biden administrations, was defeated by Rebecca Bennett in a four-way race for the Democratic nomination. 

A triple board-certified physician, Shah campaigned on lowering healthcare costs and expanding access to care. Her government work included initiatives for veterans and efforts to address physician and nurse burnout.

Bennett will now face Republican Rep. Tom Kean Jr. in November in the closely watched 7th Congressional District, home to a significant Indian American population.

Indian American candidates Sujit Singh and Jay Vaingankar also fell short in Democratic primary bids in New Jersey’s 12th Congressional District.

Vaingankar, a community organizer who previously worked in the U.S. Department of Energy under President Joe Biden, campaigned on lowering costs, expanding healthcare, increasing housing and improving transit.

Singh focused his campaign on affordability, human services, inclusive economic growth and grassroots community engagement.

The general election will be held on Nov. 3.