Desi Talk

www.desitalk.com – that’s all you need to know 4 CITY VIEWS January 16, 2026 T he Indian American commu- nity in the tri-state NewYork area hosted a fundraiser January 4, 2026, in Queens to support Raj Goyle, Democratic Primary candidate for NewYork State Comptroller. The event was hosted by community members Dr. Thomas Abraham, Alex Esthappan, and Vim K. Goyal, a press release from orga- nizers said. The current incumbent Comptrol- ler is Thomas DiNapoli who was first elected back in 2007. Another Democratic candidate running in the primary is Drew Warshaw an activist for affordable hous- ing. The primaries are scheduled for June 23, 2026. Organizers described the Goyle fundraiser as a “successful” event which brought together a broad cross-section of community leaders and supporters. The event exceeded its fundraising goal, rais- ing more than $7,000, “a clear indication that the Raj Goyle for NewYork campaign is gaining strong momentum,” organizers added. Attendees heard Goyle, a former Kansas State Assembly member, share his vision and priorities for the office of Comptroller. In his remarks, Goyle emphasized his commitment to accountability, innova- tion, and affordability in the management of NewYork State’s finances, with a strong focus on building a more transparent and effective state government. Participants expressed confidence in his candidacy and optimism that he will prevail in the Democratic Primary—an especially consequential contest, as the Democratic Primary effectively deter- mines the November election, according to organizers. Apart from his other activities such as co-founding the Indian American Impact Project in 2017, Goyle founded Phone Free NewYork, which succeeded in achieving a ban on mobile devices in classrooms. Goyle has a B.S. from Duke Univer- sity, and a law degree from Harvard Law School. He is the co-CEO of Bodhala, a data company focusing on the legal industry. The Office of the State Comptroller (osc.ny.gov) which overseas a multi-billion dollar budget, has the following responsi- bilities : • Protecting taxpayer funds by un- covering waste, fraud and abuse. • Managing the State pension fund. • Administering the State retirement system. • Returning millions in unclaimed funds. • Providing independent fiscal over- sight on State, NewYork City and local finances. • Providing technical assistance and training to local government of- ficials and school districts. • Reviewing State contracts and payments, maintaining the State’s accounting system and adminis- tering the State payroll. Indian Americans Host Fundraiser For Raj Goyle, Candidate For NY State Comptroller By a StaffWriter PHOTOS:Courtesyorganizers Members of the Indian American community in tri-state held a fundraiser Jan. 4, 2026, for Raj Goyle. D emocratic candidate for Congress Dr. Tina Shah, a former Biden and Obama administration of- ficial, announced January 6, 2026, that she ended 2025 crossing the million-dollar threshold, rais- ing $1,017,000, and becoming the fastest NJ-07 emocratic candidate to this benchmark. Shah is one of 8 Democrats vying for the party’s endorsement. The date for the Democratic primary is yet to be decided. Shah has been endorsed by the Indian American Im- pact Fund, a leading PAC focused on the community up and down the ballot, from school boards to Congress. Her campaign called that achievement an indication of Dr. Shah’s momentum and one which “establishes her as the top candidate to defeat Republican incumbent Tom Kean Jr. in one of the most competitive races in the country this year.” Shah enters 2026 with nearly $650,000 on hand, ac- cording to her campaign. The latest filing with the Federal Election Commission is not yet available (fec.gov), as of this report. Kean, who was elected to the US House of Representa- tives in 2023, is an attorney and former New Jersey State Assembly member. “I am so proud of the support our campaign has earned,” said Dr. Shah. “We need a representative who will lower costs for working families, protect reproduc- tive rights, and ensure everyone has access to high-quali- ty healthcare. New Jerseyans are demanding leaders who will put patients over industry profits.” The Cook Political Report, a leading rating agency, has made NJ-07 a top “toss-up” district race in the nation come November 3, 2026. Dr. Shah is an intensive care doctor, a triple board- certified physician, has served under three presidential administrations, developing strategies to expand access to healthcare to veterans and leading the first federal plan to combat the burnout that drove doctors and nurses out of the field. PHOTO:@drtinashahforcongress.com Dr. Tina Shah Raises $1 Million Plus For NJ District 7 Congressional Race By a StaffWriter Dr. Tina Shah, candidate for US Congress from New Jersey’s District 7.