New York: Democrat Nirav Shah, former Maine CDC Director and former Principal Deputy Director of the U.S. CDC, announced he is running for governor of Maine. An attorney, economist, public health leader, and former head of the Maine CDC, Shah led the state through the pandemic and is running to bring that leadership to the governor’s office.
“Over the years, I’ve been lucky to talk with thousands of Mainers from every corner of our state, and hear their worries and aspirations. Maine is at a crossroads, and we need a governor with proven leadership experience who is ready to tackle our challenges on day one. I’m running for governor to honor what works, fix what doesn’t, and deliver results for our 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.
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.”
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.
