Dr. Rik Mehta made history as the first, first generation American and first American of Indian origin to win the nomination of a major political party for a statewide race in New Jersey. He is also the first person of color to win the GOP nomination for U.S. Senate in New Jersey history. Rik is a biotech entrepreneur, innovator, healthcare policy expert and a licensed pharmacist and attorney. Trained at world–renowned Rutgers University as a pharmacist and lawyer, Rik Mehta has emerged as a strong contender and threat against incumbent Senator Cory Booker. Cory’s failed Presidential campaign crushed his popularity in New Jersey leaving his favorability rating at only 53%; terrible for an incumbent Senator who just ran for President.
Rik’s story is like a lot of people in New Jersey. Humble beginnings. Hard work. And a belief that the American Dream is available to anyone willing to chase it. His father legally immigrated here 50 years ago with only a $100 in his pocket while his mother worked two jobs and managed the household. Through grit and perseverance, Rik achieved two doctoral degrees, joined the FDA as a Consumer Safety Officer to fight the unapproved opioid scourge, started 3 successful companies in the private sector, took an academic appointment as a law professor and is now the nominee for U.S. Senate. Equally successful, his sister is one of the top pediatric immunologists in the country. This story is simply not possible in any other country on earth and Rik deeply appreciates what America has given him and his family.
As your next Senator, Rik will be a commonsense conservative who stands up for the people and will fight to make New Jersey a place to live, not leave. That means fighting for small businesses, developing a comprehensive solution to win the battle over COVID19 and lowering taxes. As a father of 3 boys, Rik will prioritize legislation like school choice, to create a brighter and safer future for both our born and unborn children regardless of race, color, and creed. As a son of a legal immigrant, Rik will be active in reforming immigration that secures our border, drives infrastructure development, and reduces government waste and backlog. As a health law professor, Rik knows what it will take to fix our healthcare system, bring medical manufacturing back to NJ and substantially drop the price of prescription drugs. Lastly, Rik will always stand by our police, strengthen our military and respect our proDemocracy allies, like Israel and India.
Rik lives in Morris County with his wife Reema, their three little gentlemen and their dog Dexter. The two met at Rutgers and are still proud season ticket holders. Rik received his B.S. in pharmacy from Rutgers, his Pharm.D. from the Univ. of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, his J.D. from Rutgers School of Law and a Master of Laws in Global Health Law and International Institutions through a joint program with Georgetown Law and the Graduate Institute in Geneva, Switzerland.
