PRESS RELEASE: Indian American Impact Fund Endorses Jay Vaingankar for Congress in New Jersey’s 12th District
For Immediate Release:
March 10, 2026
Contact: Sarah Shah
Indian American Impact Fund Endorses Jay Vaingankar for Congress in New Jersey’s 12th District
Washington, DC — Today, the Indian American Impact Fund proudly endorses Jay Vaingankar for Congress in New Jersey’s 12th District. Vaingankar is running in the second-most South Asian American congressional district in the country. If elected, he would become the first South Asian American to represent New Jersey in Congress, marking a historic milestone for a state with one of the largest and fastest-growing South Asian populations in the country.
Chintan Patel, Executive Director of Indian American Impact Fund, released the following statement:
“We are proud to endorse Jay Vaingankar because he represents a new generation of leadership grounded in service and the courage to stand up for our communities amidst an unprecedented rise in hate and costs of living. Through his work in the Biden Administration, Jay has seen firsthand how federal policy can lower energy costs, expand economic opportunity, and strengthen local communities.
“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. At the same time, he has made clear that he will stand up to Donald Trump and any effort to target immigrant communities or roll back the rights and freedoms that define our democracy. Jay’s experience, vision, and commitment to public service make him the kind of leader New Jersey deserves in Congress.”
Jay Vaingankar added: “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. I’m grateful to the Indian American Impact Fund for their endorsement and for the work they’ve done to uplift South Asian Americans in our democracy.
“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. I’m proud to build a broad coalition that ensures our community has a seat at the table in the fight to guarantee health care as a human right, lower our utility bills, and keep our schools and our streets safe.”
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About Indian American Impact Fund
Since its inception in 2016, Indian American Impact Fund has endorsed and supported 200+ candidates across the country, contributing to the historic rise of Indian and South Asian American representation in politics. Through strategic investments and grassroots organizing, Impact has marshaled upwards of $20 million to candidates and robust voter mobilization and policy advocacy efforts, amplifying the voices of South Asian Americans and driving positive change in communities nationwide.
