(SOMERSET) Assembly Deputy Speaker Upendra J. Chivukula (D-Somerset Middlesex) has confirmed plans for a Congressional run from the 7th District.

Chivukula, who has served in the Assembly for 10 years, and previously as mayor (2000-2001), deputy mayor (1998-1999) and councilman (1997 to 2005) of Franklin Township, had been mulling the possibility of a run, after being approached about two weeks ago by Somerset County Chair Peg Schaeffer to challenge U.S. Rep. Leonard Lance (R-7).

One of the few scientists in the 120-member New Jersey Legislature, he has emerged as the Legislature’s go-to lawmaker on complex technical issues. His training as an engineer and extensive work experience in utilities and telecom prior to being elected to the General Assembly in 2001, have empowered him with valuable insights and expertise.

Measures Chivukula sponsored have helped construct the state’s clean energy infrastructure and incentivize the use and development of renewable sources like wind and solar among industrial, business and residential ratepayers. He has sponsored legislation to fund clean energy technologies, incentivize energy efficiency, and reduce the production of carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas which is the main cause of global warming pollution.

These include the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), the Solar Energy Advancement and Fair Competition Act and the Offshore Wind and Economic Development Act.

A longtime resident of Franklin, Chivukula has the distinction of being the first Township resident to be elected to the New Jersey General Assembly in more than 100 years.

If elected, Chivukula will become the first Asian-American representative in the U.S. Congress from New Jersey.

Citizen of the Year Award, Franklin Township Food Bank