Press Release
Indian American Impact Endorses Ravi Bhalla for U.S. House in New Jersey Congressional District 8
For Immediate Release:
April 4, 2024
Contact: Sarah Shah
sarah@iaimpact.org
Hoboken— Indian American Impact proudly endorses Ravi Bhalla for his primary candidacy for the U.S. House of Representatives in NJ-08. If elected, Mayor Bhalla would be the first South Asian elected to Congress in New Jersey.
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 son of Indian immigrants, he champions hard work, opportunity, and his Sikh faith. Bhalla has devoted his life to justice, combating discrimination, and ensuring all New Jerseyans can pursue the American dream. A civil rights attorney, he’s nationally recognized for reforming federal visitation policies in correctional facilities. Serving on the Hoboken City Council from 2008-2016, Bhalla tackled corruption and mismanagement, later becoming Mayor in 2017 and securing re-election in 2021, showcasing his innovative leadership and dedication to moving Hoboken forward.
Taher Hasanali, Indian American Impact’s National Political Director, shared the following statement:
“If elected, Mayor Ravi Bhalla would be the first South Asian to represent New Jersey in Congress. 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. His accomplishments as a civil rights attorney and as Mayor of Hoboken demonstrate his dedication to tackling corruption, reforming policies, and moving communities forward. In Congress, we have no doubt he would value the inclusion, innovation, and entrepreneurship that define the New Jersey South Asian American community.”
Ravi Bhalla said, “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. I join Indian American Impact in believing that America’s diversity is its strength and that our nation is continually enriched by every new wave of immigrants. It is our unique strength.”
Since its inception in 2016, Indian American Impact has endorsed and supported 166 candidates across the country, contributing to the historic rise of Indian and South Asian American representation in politics. Through strategic investments and grassroots organizing, Impact has marshaled upwards of $20 million to candidates and robust voter mobilization and policy advocacy efforts, amplifying the voices of South Asian Americans and driving positive change in communities nationwide.
Indian American Impact is a national 501(c)(4) organization that elevates the voices of Indian Americans and South Asians to ensure that every level of government represents us and our values. Impact works to mobilize, engage and elect South Asians in an effort to build a world in which all Americans have the opportunity to thrive.