PRESS RELEASE: Vaingankar campaign qualifies for NJ-12 Democratic primary debate
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April 8, 2026
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Vaingankar campaign qualifies for NJ-12 Democratic primary debate
One of only five candidates to meet fundraising and endorsement thresholds in crowded field
Princeton Junction, NJ(April 8, 2026) – Today, the campaign of Gen Z former Biden White House official Jay Vaingankar announced that he has officially qualified for the April 26 Democratic primary debate for New Jersey’s 12th Congressional District, securing a spot on stage in a competitive field of 13 candidates.
Vaingankar is one of just five candidates so far to meet the debate’s qualification criteria, which include raising at least $250,000 or earning endorsements from elected leaders across the district. Several long-time elected officials and establishment candidates have not qualified.
“This campaign has always been about making our voices heard through organizing on the ground,” said Gen Z former Biden White House official Jay Vaingankar. “We’re proud to have made the debate stage because of the voters backing us across NJ-12 who want a new generation of leadership focused on lowering costs, achieving universal health care, and putting an end to forever wars.”
The debate, hosted by the New Jersey Globe, will take place on Sunday, April 26, at 7:00 pm at Rider University and will air nationally on C-SPAN, with a livestream available online.
Since launching in December, Vaingankar’s campaign has emerged as a top contender in the race. The campaign has raised over $260,000 to date and earned endorsements from leaders like former U.S. Energy Secretary and Michigan Governor Jennifer M. Granholm and support from organizations like the Indian American Impact Fund and AAPI Victory Fund. The campaign has also drawn national attention after taking on MAGA figures like Laura Loomer, who launched racist attacks in response to Vaingankar’s outreach to Hindi- and Spanish-speaking communities across the district.
“This is an important opportunity for voters to hear directly from the candidates,” Vaingankar added. “Several career politicians in this race have skipped candidate forums to avoid answering tough questions about their records, including their ties to AIPAC and corporate PAC money. At the same time, we’ve been taking on MAGA extremists like Laura Loomer and refusing to back down – and that’s exactly the kind of fight we’ll bring to Congress to represent the diverse communities of NJ-12.”
Born and raised in Mercer County, Vaingankar served in the Biden White House before being appointed to the U.S. Department of Energy, where he helped implement the Inflation Reduction Act, bringing 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.
For more information about the campaign, visit www.JayVaingankar.com or follow @JayforJersey on all social media.
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