To the Editor:
I am happy for the opportunity to share why my vote goes to Sam Wang for Congress for New Jersey’s 12th Congressional District.
My first encounter with Sam Wang was 20 years ago when I worked as a producer for Wisconsin Public Radio. I’d come across his new book, Welcome to Your Brain. At the time, neuroplasticity wasn’t recognized — it was thought we start losing brain neurons in our 20s in an irreversible decline. Sam’s book explained that if we exercise, our brain potential can increase. It was stunning! His skill at conveying science to the public also produced a spectacular hour of public radio.
Beyond his legitimate scientist label, Sam has long functioned as a citizen-scientist working for the public good. With great prescience he founded and directs the Gerrymandering Project to analyze and reveal the harms to democracy of gerrymandering. He’s functioned as a public watchdog on our behalf. In fact, his gerrymandering standards were cited before the Supreme Court. He is among the most knowledgeable and influential voices in the nation on this topic of increasing relevance.
Sam is impressively thorough. His inclination toward detail is not just in the neuroscience lab but also in the details of his campaign. His integrity shines. And, since he’s lived in this district for 26 years, he understands our needs.
In Congress, Sam will bring that dedication, passion, analytical bent, and persuasion to the multitude of issues that bedevil our nation and democracy. His talents and background are ideal for tackling the issues that matter to him and to us: health care accessibility (which links as his research is on autism), management of AI threats and opportunities, climate change, protection of immigrants, and much more. It is also unique and timely that he can talk about off-cycle redistricting — and why it must be reversed. For me, having someone in Congress who is collaborative, develops convincing arguments, researches thoroughly, and rallies troops is what we need right now.
The way Sam approaches issues, his history, how he manages his campaign staff reflects his commitment, thoroughness, and ironclad honesty and integrity. It’s troubling that too many Democrats in Congress don’t have a plan or vision beyond platitudes. Congress desperately needs members like Sam who has expertise and common sense. We have a unique and serious candidate. I hope you’ll take his candidacy seriously and cast your vote for Sam Wang.