Indian-American Dr. Nirav Shah Launches Campaign for Maine US Senate Seat

Dr. Nirav Shah, who led Maine's response to the COVID-19 pandemic as state health director, filed paperwork with the Federal Election Commission on July 9, 2026, and announced his candidacy in a video message posted to his campaign website. He joins a Democratic field that already includes two state legislators and a county commissioner.

Shah, 48, is a physician and epidemiologist who served as director of the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention from 2019 to 2023. During his tenure, he became a familiar figure in daily briefings, earning praise for his calm demeanor and data-driven approach. He also served as president of the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials.

In his announcement, Shah cited his experience managing public health crises and his work on rural health access as key reasons for his run. 'Maine families need a senator who understands science, who listens to experts, and who will fight for working people,' he said. He also emphasized his commitment to lowering prescription drug costs and protecting Social Security.

The seat is currently held by Republican Susan Collins, who has not yet announced whether she will seek a fifth term. Shah's campaign said it has already raised $1.2 million in the first week, drawing on a network of national donors and local supporters. Political analysts view the race as a key pickup opportunity for Democrats in the 2026 midterms.

Shah, who was born in New York to Indian immigrant parents, moved to Maine in 2019 after working in California and at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. He holds a medical degree from the University of Chicago and a law degree from Yale. He lives in Falmouth with his wife and two children.