Historic CD-12 Candidate Forum in West Windsor Draws Nearly 200 Voters
Share, Comment, Like, and Subscribe to support Independent Journalism!
By Adam Rizvi | Editor, The India Observer (TIO): West Windsor, NJ â In what organizers described as a historic first for New Jerseyâs 12th Congressional District, a coalition of Muslim civic and advocacy organizations hosted a CD-12 Candidate Forum on Super Bowl Sunday at the Muslim Center of Greater Princeton, drawing nearly 200 attendees from across the district.
The forum was organized by CAIR Action NJ, Emgage Action, and NJ Muslim Civic Coalition Activate, in partnership with American Muslims for Democracy (AMD), New Jersey Muslim Lawyers Association (NJMLA), CAIR-NJ, ICNA Social Council for Justice, NJ Muslim League of Voters, and NJ Muslim Voters for Progress.
Free Hot Meal Program Launched at Middlesex College to Support Food-Insecure Students
All 20 candidates who have filed with the Federal Election Commission (FEC) were formally invited to participate. Twelve candidates attended and engaged in a wide-ranging discussion covering healthcare, the economy, military spending, foreign policy, immigration, reparations, and campaign finance.
Candidates present included Mayor Adrian Mapp, Commissioner Shanel Robinson, Iziah Thompson, Michael Lawrence, Squire Servance, Sam Wang, Dr. Adam Hamawy, Andres Jinete, Kyle Little, Elijah Dixon, Sujit Singh, and Jay Vaingankar.
Moderators included Cranbury Councilwoman Eman Badawi and Omar Abuattieh, identified as a 2026 Rhodes Scholar from Rutgers University.
Two audience-response questions drew significant attention. One asked candidates whether they would publicly reject campaign contributions from foreign-affiliated political action committees and lobbying groups. Organizers reported that eleven of the twelve candidates raised their hands in support.
A second question referenced statements by various international human rights organizations regarding the ongoing conflict in Gaza and asked candidates whether they agreed with those assessments. According to organizers, all but one candidate raised their hands.
Organizers described the event as a milestone for civic engagement within the district, emphasizing that the forum was nonpartisan and focused on voter education and constructive dialogue.
Court Blocks Trump Administration Funding Freeze, Allowing Gateway Tunnel Project to Move Forward
âThis forum reflects the growing civic participation and political engagement of Muslim voters and allied communities in New Jersey,â said Omayma Mansour of CAIR Action NJ. âProviding a platform where candidates can directly address community concerns strengthens democracy and ensures voters are informed ahead of the upcoming election.â
Despite taking place on Super Bowl Sunday, turnout remained strong â underscoring heightened voter interest in what has become one of the most closely watched congressional races in New Jersey.
As the CD-12 race continues, organizers reaffirmed their commitment to increasing voter participation and ensuring elected officials remain responsive to the needs of constituents across the district.
Brad Cohen Calls on Congress to Withhold DHS Funding, Citing Opposition to ICE
Stay informed. Read the full story on The India Observer website and follow us for ongoing coverage of New Jersey politics, civic engagement, and community leadership.
Like, share, and comment to help expand informed civic dialogue across our communities.
Have a story, event, or issue to report? Email your press release or tip to mediaiss@gmail.com â TIO covers news that matters.
Curated by Humra Kidwai
