Indian American PAC endorses Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla for Democratic primary

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Indian American Impact, a leading political action committee, endorsed Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla for the Democratic primary in New Jersey’s 8^th District, scheduled for June 4, 2024. If he gets the party’s support, he will have a high probability of winning the Nov. 5, general election to the House of Representatives.

If elected, Mayor Bhalla would be the first South Asian elected to Congress in New Jersey, a press release from IMPACT said, banking on the heavy South Asian presence in District 8.

“With more than 50,000 South Asians residing in New Jersey district 8, Bhalla’s candidacy reflects the growing influence of South Asian Americans in American politics,” the organization noted.

“I am thrilled to have the endorsement of Indian American Impact, an organization that works to ensure that our government draws on the talents of all our people, including those from communities that have been too often excluded,” Bhalla is quoted saying in the press release.”

A civil rights attorney, Mayor Bhalla is nationally recognized for reforming federal visitation policies in correctional facilities, and during his tenure in the Hoboken City Council from 2008-2016, he is credited with tackling corruption and mismanagement. He became Mayor in 2017 and was re-elected in 2021.

Bhalla is in a tough race in the primary, pitted against fellow Democrats Rob Menendez, the incumbent, who came in January 2023 with more than 72 percent of the vote in the general elections. If he is able to defeat Rob Menendez, he will sail to the House in what is a heavily Democrat leaning District.

“Ravi’s track record of championing justice, combating discrimination, and ensuring all New Jerseyans can pursue the American dream speaks volumes about his commitment to our values,” said IMPACT’s National Political Director Taher Hasanali.

Since its inception in 2016, Indian American Impact has endorsed and supported 166 candidates across the country.

IMPACT said it has marshaled upwards of $20 million for supporting candidates and for voter mobilization and policy advocacy to date.