Indian-American public health expert and former US federal health official Nirav Shah has announced his candidacy for the post of Governor of Maine, formally entering the race for the Democratic Party’s nomination. The announcement makes Shah one of the leading contenders in what is expected to be a closely watched race in the northeastern US state.
Launching his campaign on Monday, October 20, Shah said Maine was at a defining moment and needed leadership that could deliver results from the first day in office. “We are at a crossroads and we need a governor with proven leadership experience who is ready to tackle our challenges on day one,” he wrote on X. “I’m running to feed kids, fix housing, fund healthcare, and fuel growth,” he added.
Shah, a physician and lawyer, is contesting to succeed Democrat Governor Janet Mills, who is stepping down after completing two terms. Mills is set to run for the US Senate, where she will challenge Republican incumbent Susan Collins in next year’s election.
If elected, Shah would become the third Indian American to serve as a state governor in the United States, following Bobby Jindal in Louisiana and Nikki Haley in South Carolina. Unlike both Jindal and Haley, who are Republicans, Shah is representing the Democratic Party.
Before entering the race, Shah served as Principal Deputy Director of the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) during the Biden administration. He previously led the Maine CDC and also served as Director of the Illinois Department of Public Health.
His reputation grew during the COVID-19 pandemic, when as head of the Maine CDC he became a familiar and trusted public figure, providing daily briefings and guiding the state’s response to the crisis. Recalling his time in that role, Shah said, “As Maine CDC Director, I saw how we could get through incredibly tough times together with empathy and resilience. I’ll bring those same values as governor to tackle big problems: the unsustainable increases to the costs of living and housing, an economy that’s not delivering for people, and a rural health care system that will only get worse because of (President Donald) Trump.”
Shah officially began his campaign in the cities of Portland and Brunswick, where he addressed supporters and outlined his priorities for the state. “I’m overjoyed at the outpouring of support I’ve received from across the state today,” he said after his first day of events.
According to local media, Shah will face at least four other candidates for the Democratic nomination. On the Republican side, Jonathan Bush, a nephew of former US President George H. W. Bush, has entered the race for his party’s ticket.
Maine, which voted for the Democratic Party in the 2024 presidential election, is expected to see an intense contest next year as both parties look to strengthen their positions in the state ahead of the national vote.
