NJ Democratic State Committee South Asian American Caucus Endorses
Rupande Mehta for NJ State Senate

Trenton, NJ, August 11, 2020 – Today, the South Asian American Caucus (SAAC) within the NJ Democratic State Committee formally endorsed Ms. Rupande Mehta for State Senate in the 25^th Legislative District, covering 20 municipalities in Morris County and one municipality in Somerset County. Ms. Mehta’s strong performance in this year’s July primary is an early indication that a dedicated community leader and fresh voice is what the constituents in this district are looking for in Trenton.

“Rupande has been a staunch and consistent advocate for the South Asian American community as long as she’s lived in New Jersey,” stated Ms. Toral Patel and Ms. Afsheen Shamsi, SAAC co-chairs. “She has been in the SAAC family since our work began, serving as a Morris County director, contributing to the mission of the Caucus as well as the broader needs across the community statewide. In Rupande, one finds a dedicated mom and public servant, ready to get to Trenton to tackle the issues that are most critical and relevant to the constituents in the 25^th Legislative District. The South Asian American community would greatly benefit from another voice in Trenton, too.”

While New Jersey often boasts one of the most diverse populations across the country, diversity among elected officials – statewide and locally – is dismal. According to the Center for American Women and Politics at Rutgers Eagleton Institute of Politics, less than 31 percent of the NJ State Legislature are women and zero are South Asian American women. Currently the only state elected officials from the South Asian American community are: State Senator Vin Gopal, Assemblyman Raj Mukherji, Passaic County Freeholder Assad Akhter, Burlington County Freeholder Balvir Singh and Middlesex County Freeholder Shanti Narra.

Ways you can support Rupande Mehta for State Senate:

• Volunteer for the campaign: https://www.rupandemehta.com/get_involved
• Follow on Facebook and Twitter: https://www.facebook.com/Mehtaforsenate/ and https://twitter.com/rupandemehta
• Make a contribution: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/rupandemehta

About NJDSC South Asian American Caucus

SAAC formally launched in the fall of 2013 representing the culmination of the NJDSC’s commitment to the growing and vibrant South Asian American communities in New Jersey – communities that have long supported democratic values in the state. New Jersey has the third largest South Asian population, with more than 400,000 South Asians calling New Jersey home. SAAC was formally instituted by Chairman John Currie to organize, engage and mobilize members of the New Jersey South Asian American community in local and statewide politics. Steering committee members include: Afsheen Shamsi (co-chair), Toral Patel (co-chair), Khyati Joshi (past co-chair), Satish Poondi (past co-chair), Shariq Ahmad, Raja Bhattacharya, Nidhi Makhija, Rekha Nandwani and Milin Rao. Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NJDSC.SAAC/.