Washington, Jan 6 (NationPress) John Bartlett, a county commissioner and voting rights attorney, is actively reaching out to Indian American voters as he campaigns in the special election for New Jersey's 11th Congressional District. He emphasizes his personal connections to the community and his commitment to addressing its concerns.

Bartlett's candidacy comes after Rep. Mikie Sherrill was elected governor of New Jersey, resulting in a vacancy that has led to a closely monitored special election. "We have a special election approaching on February 5, and numerous candidates are vying for the Democratic primary," he stated. "I am one of those candidates, hoping to represent this district in the United States Congress."

Highlighting his relationship with Indian Americans, Bartlett shared in an interview with IANS that he is "a member of the community by marriage," as his wife, Dr. Kathy Joshi, is Indian American. "I've gained substantial insights through her," he noted, mentioning his extensive time spent in India and his efforts to foster connections with Indian American residents in northern New Jersey.

As a county commissioner in Passaic County, Bartlett prioritized the inclusion of immigrant communities, particularly concerning language access. He mentioned that during the 2020 census, outreach was conducted not only in English and Spanish but also in Arabic, Hindi, and Bengali, reflecting the immigrant populations from India and Bangladesh in the area. "Counting everyone ensures those communities receive the resources they require," he asserted.

Bartlett characterized New Jersey's 11th District as home to some of the most significant Indian American communities, including Parsippany, Livingston, Short Hills, Randolph, and Wayne. "The 11th district is 12 percent Asian American, with over half identifying as Indian American," he explained, noting the diversity of Indian American families in the region, spanning various generations, professions, and immigration histories.

He acknowledged that Indian American families in the area encounter numerous challenges, such as visa and immigration issues, racial and religious discrimination, and increasing costs for businesses and households. "Having someone who comprehends these issues from within and is responsive to these communities is a priority for me," Bartlett declared.

As a voting rights lawyer for nearly 25 years, Bartlett is running for Congress amid perceived threats to civil rights and democratic principles. He criticized the Trump administration for its lack of investment in civil and voting rights, noting that voters in his district share these concerns. "We have one opportunity to ensure the 2028 presidential election is free and fair," he argued, positing that electing a voting rights attorney to Congress could help safeguard that objective.

Bartlett also emphasized the political significance of Indian American turnout in a special election with typically low voter participation. "In a special election, mobilizing your base and supporters is crucial to winning," he said, encouraging Indian American voters to participate through early voting, mail-in ballots, or in-person on the primary day, February 5.

On policy, Bartlett pointed out key areas such as healthcare, immigration, and US-India relations. He expressed support for reviving the concept of a public healthcare option and criticized policies that have inflated costs for families. He also highlighted tariffs and visa restrictions as detrimental to Indian American businesses and families: "We need someone who grasps the real human implications of such policies," he remarked, referencing the impact of tariffs on Indian American business hubs like Oaktree Road in Edison and Newark Avenue in Jersey City.

Describing India as "one of the most critical American relationships globally," Bartlett urged Congress to enhance economic and cultural ties between the two nations rather than implementing policies that complicate immigration and trade.

"This election on February 5 offers the Indian American community a chance to demonstrate its strength, political clout, and to achieve something significant," he concluded.

The special Democratic primary is set for February 5, with early voting occurring from January 29 to February 3. The special general election is scheduled for April 16. New Jersey's 11th District has been represented by Democrats in recent years and is deemed a significant suburban seat in the state's political arena.