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Nirav Shah backed by Maine Gun Safety Coalition for governor
Shah’s campaign has centered on healthcare, housing affordability and public safety issues ahead of Maine’s 2026 gubernatorial race.
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Malvika Choudhary - Wed, 20, May 2026
- 18:05 EDT
- 41
Dr Nirav Shah. / Shah for Maine
Democratic gubernatorial candidate Nirav D. Shah announced an endorsement by the Maine Gun Safety Coalition ahead of the primary election.
In a statement posted on social media, Shah said he was “honored” to receive the endorsement, which defined him as a “Gun Safety Champion," and described gun violence as “a public health crisis."
Also Read: Nirav Shah releases second gubernatorial campaign ad
“As a public health leader, I see gun violence as a public health crisis that demands prevention, data, and action,” Shah said. “That means focusing on what we know saves lives: safe storage, strong mental health supports, and intervening in moments of crisis before they become tragedies.”
I am honored to receive the endorsement of the Maine Gun Safety Coalition as a Gun Safey Champion. As a public health leader, I see gun violence as a public health crisis that demands prevention, data, and action. That means focusing on what we know saves lives: safe storage,… pic.twitter.com/wrZAiqFLhK
— Nirav D. Shah (@nirav_maine) May 20, 2026
He added that addressing gun violence also requires “being honest about the scope of the problem” and said he looked forward to working with the coalition “in the pursuit of common-sense, evidence-based approaches to reducing gun violence and saving lives in Maine.”
The endorsement aligns Shah with the coalition’s gun safety platform, which advocates measures including safe firearm storage, crisis intervention policies and violence prevention efforts.
Shah, a physician and public health official, previously served as director of the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention during the COVID-19 pandemic.
He later became principal deputy director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the Biden administration before launching his campaign for governor in 2025.
His campaign has focused on housing affordability, healthcare access, child nutrition and economic development. Shah has said his priorities include expanding healthcare access in rural communities, lowering costs for families and addressing Maine’s housing shortage.
According to the campaign, Shah raised more than $1 million within six months of launching his gubernatorial bid, with donations reported from all 16 counties in Maine.
Shah has also secured support from several Democratic and Indian American political groups, including the Indian American Impact Fund, as well as endorsements from healthcare professionals in Maine.
Maine’s Democratic primary is scheduled for June 9, while the gubernatorial election will be held on Nov. 3.
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