PRESS RELEASE: Jay Vaingankar Launches Congressional Campaign in New Jersey's 12th District
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 8, 2025
Media Contact:
info@jayvaingankar.com
Jay Vaingankar Launches Congressional Campaign in New Jersey's 12th District
Ex-White House official vies to be state's first Gen Z and South Asian member of Congress
West Windsor, NJ (December 8, 2025) – Today, former White House and Department of Energy official Jay Vaingankar announced his campaign for the Democratic nomination in New Jersey's 12th Congressional District after incumbent Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman announced her retirement.
“Congresswoman Watson Coleman broke glass ceilings, and Central Jersey owes a debt of gratitude for her decades of leadership,” said Jay Vaingankar. “I’m running for Congress to continue her progressive legacy and carry the baton for the next generation. It's time to bring new energy to the fight against the Trump Administration and to tackle the affordability crisis.”
Born and raised in Mercer County, Vaingankar served in the Biden White House before being appointed to the Department of Energy to help implement the largest climate investment in history, including millions in clean energy tax credits for New Jersey. He returned home to work in solar energy to lower utility bills for New Jerseyans and fight the rising cost of living.
In a crowded field, Vaingankar is the only candidate with federal experience. If elected, he would be the first member of Gen Z and first South Asian to represent New Jersey in Congress. The 12th Congressional District includes Trenton and the Princeton area, as well as communities in Somerset, Middlesex, and Union Counties.
Vaingankar's campaign assembles an experienced and veteran team:
Noah Dion as Senior Advisor. Dion previously managed Senator Andy Kim's (D-NJ) 2024 campaign for U.S. Senate.
Raghu Devaguptapu leads electronic media and national outreach. Devaguptapu is the managing partner at TKO Political and Buying.
Devontae Freeland as Campaign Manager. Raised in Middlesex County, NJ, he served in the White House and with U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai.
Molly Ritner and Judith Wallner as senior communications strategists. Ritner and Wallner are partners at the Strategy Group and will lead direct mail for the campaign.
For more information about the campaign, visit www.JayVaingankar.com or follow @JayforJersey on all social media.
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