To the Editor:
I first met Sam Wang in 2000 when he arrived at Princeton University as a neuroscience professor while I was a Ph.D. student there. Over the decades, I have watched him become a world-class researcher and a dedicated advocate for the “science of democracy.” As a professional who has spent my career developing medicines to help people fighting serious and life-threatening illnesses, I know that solving complex problems, whether a pandemic or a broken political system, requires a rare combination of technical mastery and ethical clarity. Sam Wang possesses both.
Sam’s scientific contributions are profoundly personal for many in our district. New Jersey has some of the highest autism rates in the nation, and Sam’s pioneering research at the Wang Lab has fundamentally changed our understanding of the cerebellum’s role in early-life brain development and autism. Inspired by his own sister’s experience, he has translated his research into tools for early detection, moving beyond the lab to find real-world solutions for families.
In a field of numerous other candidates in this race, Sam is uniquely differentiated. While others bring traditional political resumes, Sam brings the data-driven precision of a scientist who has served as a Congressional Fellow and a lecturer at Harvard’s Kennedy School. He understands the mechanics of policy and the biology of our community’s health.
For the Asian and South Asian American voters in CD-12, Sam represents a powerful voice. As the son of immigrants, he is a tireless defender of civil rights and immigration reform. He recognizes that fair representation and science-based policy are the only ways to ensure our communities are not left behind.
If elected, Sam will: Protect Federal Research — Fight to restore and expand R&D funding, ensuring that life-saving innovation in neuroscience and public health remains a national priority; Establish Evidence-Based Autism Policy — Use his expertise to steer federal policy toward better support and early intervention for neurodiverse families; and End Gerrymandering — Sponsor legislation for independent citizen commissions to ensure every vote in NJ-12 and beyond truly counts.
Sam Wang has the intellect of a scholar and the heart of a neighbor. I urge you to join me in supporting him this June.
We cannot wait for change; we must build it. Sam’s campaign is a grassroots effort powered by community members who believe in evidence-based leadership. I encourage you to come out and vote for Sam on June 2, and visit SamForNJ.org to sign up as a volunteer or make a donation. Every contribution helps us bring a scientist’s perspective to the halls of Congress this June.