Former Energy Secretary Endorses Jay Vaingankar for Congress

Vaingankar's campaign reports raising $260,000 in his bid for New Jersey's 12th Congressional District

Apr. 3, 2026 at 5:37pm

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A cinematic painting of a solitary solar panel on an urban rooftop, with warm sunlight and deep shadows creating a contemplative mood around the clean energy transition.A pensive scene of clean energy infrastructure set against the backdrop of an urban landscape, reflecting the policy challenges and opportunities facing congressional candidates like Jay Vaingankar.Princeton Junction Today

Former U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm has endorsed Jay Vaingankar, a former Biden administration official, in his campaign for Congress in New Jersey's 12th Congressional District. Granholm cited Vaingankar's work and experience in clean energy policy during his time at the Department of Energy. Vaingankar's campaign has reported raising nearly $260,000 overall in his bid for the seat.

Why it matters

Granholm's endorsement provides Vaingankar with high-profile support from a former senior government official with expertise in energy policy. Vaingankar's fundraising success also signals his ability to mount a competitive campaign in a key congressional race.

The details

Granholm, who previously served as a two-term Governor of Michigan, backed Vaingankar citing his work and experience in clean energy policy while at the Department of Energy. Vaingankar worked on implementing the Inflation Reduction Act and engaging with state and local leaders on clean energy initiatives. After his government service, Vaingankar returned to New Jersey and worked in the solar energy sector.

  • Vaingankar previously served in the Biden administration, including roles at the White House and the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Policy.
  • Granholm recently co-led New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill's Transition Action Team on the energy affordability crisis.

The players

Jennifer M. Granholm

Former U.S. Secretary of Energy and two-term Governor of Michigan.

Jay Vaingankar

Former Biden administration official and candidate for Congress in New Jersey's 12th Congressional District.

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What they’re saying

“I am proud to endorse Jay Vaingankar because I know he will deliver cost-cutting policies that create economic growth and opportunity for Central Jerseyans. While at the Department of Energy, Jay worked alongside me and colleagues across the federal government to deliver historic levels of investment in clean energy and to cut costs for Americans.”

— Jennifer M. Granholm, Former U.S. Secretary of Energy

“I'm honored to have the support of Secretary Granholm, and grateful to have served under her leadership at the Department of Energy to create jobs, lower costs, protect our planet, and defend U.S. national security. At a moment when Donald Trump is rolling back that progress, we urgently need leaders with the energy to fight back and the experience to hit the ground running.”

— Jay Vaingankar

What’s next

Vaingankar's campaign will continue to build momentum and support ahead of the upcoming election in New Jersey's 12th Congressional District.

The takeaway

Vaingankar's endorsement from former Energy Secretary Granholm and his strong fundraising performance signal that he is a serious contender in the race for New Jersey's 12th Congressional District, with a focus on clean energy policy and cost-cutting measures for constituents.