Nirav Shah First Democrat in Maine Senate Race

Shah, who led the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention during the COVID-19 pandemic, filed paperwork with the Federal Election Commission on Tuesday. He is the first Democrat to officially join the race for the seat Collins has held since 1997.

In a statement, Shah said he is running to address rising costs, protect abortion rights, and expand access to health care. He also criticized Collins for voting against President Biden's COVID-19 relief package and for supporting tax cuts that benefit the wealthy.

Shah, a physician and epidemiologist, gained prominence for his data-driven approach to managing the pandemic in Maine. He left the CDC director post in 2022 to join the Biden administration as a senior adviser on global health.

Several other Democrats are considering bids, but Shah's early entry gives him a head start in fundraising and organizing. The primary is set for June 2024, and the general election is expected to be one of the most competitive Senate races in the country.

Collins, a moderate Republican, has not yet announced whether she will seek a fifth term. She has faced criticism from both parties for her votes on key issues, including the impeachment of former President Donald Trump and the confirmation of Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett.