Former White House and Department of Energy official Jay Vaingankar announced on December 8, 2025, that he is running for the Democratic nomination in New Jersey’s 12th Congressional District. 

His campaign launch follows the retirement announcement of longtime incumbent Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman. If elected, Vaingankar would become the first member of Gen Z and the first South Asian to represent New Jersey in Congress.

“Congresswoman Watson Coleman broke glass ceilings, and Central Jersey owes a debt of gratitude for her decades of leadership,” Vaingankar said in a statement. “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.”

Vaingankar, who was born and raised in Mercer County, previously served in the Biden White House before being appointed to the Department of Energy, where he worked on implementing what the administration called the largest climate investment in history. His work included helping deliver millions in clean energy tax credits for New Jersey. 

According to the campaign, he later returned home to work in the solar energy sector to help lower utility costs for residents and address rising living expenses.

In what is shaping up to be a competitive primary, Vaingankar is the only candidate in the field with federal government experience. New Jersey’s 12th Congressional District includes Trenton, the Princeton area, and communities across Somerset, Middlesex, and Union Counties.

Vaingankar’s campaign has assembled a seasoned political team:

• Noah Dion, Senior Advisor. Dion previously managed Senator Andy Kim’s 2024 campaign for U.S. Senate.
• Raghu Devaguptapu, Lead for electronic media and national outreach. Devaguptapu is the managing partner at TKO Political and Buying.
• Devontae Freeland, Campaign Manager. Freeland, who grew up in Middlesex County, served in the White House and in the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative under Katherine Tai.
• Molly Ritner and Judith Wallner, Senior Communications Strategists. Partners at the Strategy Group, they will oversee direct mail operations for the campaign.

Assemblywoman Verlina Reynolds-Jackson of Trenton, Somerset County Commissioner Shanel Robinson of Franklin, East Windsor Mayor Brad Cohen, and Plainfield Mayor Adrian Mapp are among the other candidates running.

Related posts:

Suhas Subramanyam Adds Fresh Flavor to the ‘Samosa’ Caucus in the US Congress Alina Habba Disqualified as New Jersey Attorney After Appeals Court Finds Appointment Violated Federal Law Indian American Physician Dr. Tina Shah Launches Congressional Bid in New Jersey’s 7th District  Indian Americans and South Asians Mark Historic Wins in 2025 U.S. Elections; Ghazala Hashmi Makes History