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www.desitalk.com – that’s all you need to know NATIONAL AFFAIRS 6 CITY VIEWS December 12, 2025 Congressional Doctors Caucus Member Rep. Ami Bera Endorses NJ Candidate Dr. Tina Shah C ongressman Ami Bera, D-Califor- nia, a founding member of the Congressional Doctors Caucus, announced on December 8, 2025, his endorsement of Dr. Tina Shah in her campaign for New Jersey’s 7th Con- gressional District. “I am proud to endorse Dr. Tina Shah for Congress in New Jersey’s 7th District,” Congressman Bera is quoted saying in a press release from Shah’s campaign. “As a fellow physician, I know she understands the healthcare crisis – and will bring real- world tested solutions to lower costs and make it easier for every New Jerseyan and American to get quality healthcare. I look forward to welcoming her to the Congres- sional Doctors Caucus.” “I’m honored to have Congressman Bera’s support,” Shah said. “As a physician and a national leader on healthcare policy, Congressman Bera understands exactly what’s at stake for families as Trump, RFK Jr, and Congressional Republicans gut our healthcare. I look forward to joining Congressman Bera in the Congressional Doctors Caucus to continue my life’s work of increasing access to high-quality, af- fordable healthcare.” Dr. Tina Shah is an intensive care doc- tor in New Jersey. A triple board-certified physician, “Tina has cared for patients at their most vulnerable and seen firsthand how rising costs, insurance denials, and political dysfunction put lives at risk,” the campaign said. Shah has served under three presiden- tial administrations, developing strategies to expand access to healthcare to veterans and leading the first federal plan to com- bat the burnout that drove doctors and nurses out of the field. In New Jersey, she is credited with suc- cessfully securing legislation that stopped insurance companies from denying care. As Chief Medical Officer of an AI compa- ny, she also led efforts to cut red tape for doctors and nurses. By a StaffWriter PHOTO:@DRTINASHAHFORCONGRESS.COM By a StaffWriter Ex-White House Official Jay Vaingankar Running For US Congress From NJ’s 12th District G en Z candidate Jay Vaingankar has thrown his hat into the ring for the 12th Congressional Dis- trict seat in New Jersey. He hopes to secure the Democratic Party’s nomi- nation to replace incumbent Congress- woman BonnieWatson Coleman who announced her retirement. The Cook Po- litical Report rates District 12 as a Demo- cratic district, so if Vaingankar is chosen by the Democratic Party as its nominee, he could win the seat. The primaries are scheduled for June 2, 2026. At least 6 Democratic candidates have so far declared their run for Congress, including another Indian American Sujit Singh, according toWikipedia. There are also numerous potential candidates who have expressed interest, among them Shanti Narra, commissioner of Middlesex County, and Tina Shah, former senior advisor to the U.S. Surgeon General. Vaingankar, an ex-White House official, who served also as Special Advisor in the Department of Energy in the Biden administration, is vying to be NJ’s first Gen Z and South Asian member of Congress, a December 8 press release from his cam- paign said. “CongresswomanWatson Coleman broke glass ceilings, and Central Jersey owes a debt of gratitude for her decades of leadership,” Vaingankar is quoted saying in the press release. “I’m running for Con- gress to continue her progressive legacy and carry the baton for the next genera- tion. 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 helped implement what his campaign describes as 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, his campaign said. It is going to be a tough nomination to secure with a crowded field of Democratic nominees, but Vaigankar hopes his federal experience would move him forward. The 12th Congressional District includes Trenton and the Princeton area, as well as communities in Somerset, Middlesex, and Union Counties, most of which house a significant Indian American minority. Vaingankar already has a campaign teammade up of experienced political strategists who have served in other win- ning campaigns as well as in theWhite House, among them, Raghu Devaguptapu who leads electronic media and national outreach. Devaguptapu is the managing partner at TKO Political and Buying. Vaingankar is a graduate of theWhar- ton School of Business where he did Busi- ness Economics and Public Policy (BEPP), and was aWharton Public Policy Research Scholar. He also earned a bachelor’s degree in International Studies from the University of Pennsylvania. PHOTO:LINKEDIN @JAYVAIGANKAR Jay Vaigankar, candidate for US Congress from NJ District 12. Dr. Tina Shah. National India Hub Leads Historic Unity Gathering; Unveils Bold “One Voice • One Message” Movement In Chicagoland By Bhailal M Patel M ore than 100 organizations unite under a shared narrative to strengthen community representation across Chicagoland Free Charity. Clinic opens its doors to unin- sured families, seniors, students, and visiting parents. In a landmark moment for the Indian American commu- nity, National India Hub—the world’s largest Indian Com- munity Center, spanning 107,000 sq. ft. across six acres and serving as the umbrella organization for 165 Indian associations—led a historic unity gathering on Novem- ber 22, under the inspiring leadership of founder Harish Kolasani. More than 100 community organizations and institutional leaders joined forces to unveil the transfor- mative “One Voice • One Message” initiative. As Chief Guests, Illinois State Representative Michelle Mussman and Cook County Commissioner Kevin Mor- rison delivered powerful messages applauding National India Hub for its exceptional success in uniting diverse communities “without borders.” Both leaders com- mended the organization’s rapid rise as a trusted hub for service, unity, representation, and civic engagement across Chicagoland. A Powerful Vision: One Voice • One Message.The newly launched initiative unites organizations under a shared, data-driven, and credible narrative that highlights the enormous positive impact of Indian Americans. It aims to strengthen community representation while educating members about responsible civic behavior—preserving the community’s proud, decades-long reputation for integrity, professionalism, and social contribution.