Indian American Cardiologist Rajesh Mohan Wins Republican Primary in New Jersey’s Third Congressional District
- He defeated immigration consultant Shirley Maia-Cusick, as well as financial advisors Gregory Sobocinski and Michael Francis Faccone by a wide margin.
Indian American physician Dr. Rajesh Mohan has won the Republican primary in New Jersey’s third Congressional District. The Holmdel cardiologist received 12,677 or 38 percent of the votes. He defeated immigration consultant Shirley Maia-Cusick, as well as financial advisors Gregory Sobocinski and Michael Francis Faccone. He will now face Socialist Democrat Assemblyman Herbert Conaway, Jr., in November for the seat left vacant by Rep. Andy Kim who won the Democratic primary to succeed embattled Sen. Bob Menendez (D-N.J.).
After his win on June 4, he said he’s “honored and grateful for the support” he has received from the residents of NJ’s 3rd Congressional District. He promised “to bring common-sense solutions to the issues that all Americans want — Republicans, Independents, and Democrats.”
He also drew a contrast between himself and his Democrat opponent on various issues. “Unlike the socialist policies of making regulations and pushing paper by my Democratic opponent, I will cut regulations, incentivize businesses and keep jobs at home,” he said. “I believe in the profound strength of empathy and that the power of good grows exponentially. I am more than ready for the big fights ahead for the good of the people.”
The 3rd Congressional District includes almost all of Burlington County and parts of Mercer County, which lean Democratic, and parts of Republican-leaning Monmouth County. “Democrats make up nearly 36 percent of voters in the district, and Republicans make up a little more than 26 percent,” while “unaffiliated voters outnumber both parties at nearly 37 percent, as of May,” according to The Philadelphia Inquirer.
The New Jersey Globe notes that “the district was made friendlier ground for Democrats when its lines were redrawn in early 2022 — shedding Republican-heavy Ocean County towns in exchange for portions of Monmouth and Mercer counties.” However, the report added that ”the district remains competitive despite the shift.”
On his website, Kumar says his candidacy is built on a vision of a stronger, more secure America. “With a distinguished career as a quadruple board-certified interventional cardiologist with an MBA and a proven successful track record of leadership, Dr. Mohan brings a wealth of experience, passion and a commitment to public service.”
Mohan decided to run for Congress “to apply his clinical approach in medicine to improving government,” his website says. His campaign calls for stronger border protection, ensuring the longevity of Medicare and Social Security, and investing in domestic manufacturing and small business growth. He also seeks to increase investments in mental health care and reduce out-of-pocket costs for medical care by reforming the Affordable Care Act.
While the conservative doctor doesn’t mention abortion on his website, The Philadelphia Inquire mentions “a post he shared from a right-wing account on X attacking Conaway on abortion.”
Mohan ran unsuccessfully as an independent for a seat on a township committee. He and his wife, Nandini, have been married for 33 years and have two sons — an engineer and a lawyer.
(Photos: Dr. Rajesh Mohan / Facebook).