Indian American Democratic congressional candidate Jay Vaingankar has raised over $126,000 in the first 24 hours after launching his campaign to become New Jersey’s first Gen Z and first South Asian member of Congress,
Running in the state’s 12th Congressional District, Vaingankar, 27, received contributions from over 200 individual donors, including over half under the age of 30, in every county in the district, according to a press release from his campaign.
This early support shows broad enthusiasm for Vaingankar’s focus on the cost of living, bringing new energy to our politics, and generational change, it stated.
“I’m grateful for the backing of so many grassroots supporters, especially young people. Their enthusiasm allows our campaign to focus on the voters of Central Jersey – and not special interests,” said Vaingankar.
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“I was born and raised in this district and took the train home to Jersey every other weekend while serving in the federal government. I’m ready to fight for our community to tackle rising costs, create jobs, and stand up to the Trump Administration.”
Propelled by his upbringing in Mercer County that emphasized the value of hard work and a respect for diversity, Vaingankar worked in the Biden White House and Department of Energy, where he helped implement millions of dollars in federal clean energy tax credits for New Jersey. He is the only candidate in this race with federal experience.
“The groundswell of support for this campaign shows that Jay’s infectious energy is resonating with people across Central Jersey,” said campaign manager Devontae Freeland.
“Voters want new leadership that understands their struggles and can stand up to the Trump agenda. This early momentum gives us the resources we need to organize in every corner of the district and make sure Jay’s message reaches every voter.”
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His parents – both immigrants from Mumbai – raised him in Hightstown, NJ, a diverse community of 63 languages where he became fluent in Spanish, according to his bio.
His upbringing taught him that if you work hard and uplift others, you can build a better life for your family, no matter what you look like or where you come from. He attended the University of Pennsylvania and became a community organizer, mobilizing his neighbors to stand up to the Trump Administration.
After working for four years in the White House and Department of Energy to implement the largest clean energy investment in history, Vaingankar moved back home and to work in community solar to increase supply and lower energy bills for families in New Jersey.