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Nirav Shah claims lead in Maine Gov race
The primary elections in Maine are scheduled for Jun. 9, 2026, with the general election set for Nov. 3.
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Rwittika Chakraborty
- Tue, 27, Jan 2026
- 02:07 EST
- 31
Dr Nirav Shah. / Shah for Maine
Indian American Democrat and Maine gubernatorial candidate Nirav Shah is leading the Democratic primary field for Maine governor, according to a poll.
The poll shows Shah standing first in the race with 35 percent of voters on his side, while other candidates were significantly behind.
ALSO READ: IA Impact endorses Nirav Shah for Governor of Maine
Shah was followed by Angus King III and Hannah Pingree at 13 percent, Shenna Bellows at 11 percent, and Troy Jackson at 9 percent. The remaining 18 percent remain unsure of their choice, yet as per the poll.
Shah took to his official X account and posted that the poll reflects what he has been hearing from voters statewide about his campaign drawing support from people of different ages, political ideologies, and regions of Maine.
“A new poll confirms what I’m hearing every day across Maine: our campaign is bringing together people of every age, ideology, and from every corner of the state. I’m proud to be leading this race — and even more determined to keep earning the trust of every Mainer,” Shah wrote on X.
Shah highlighted his past leadership experience, noting that he has guided Maine through periods of heightened uncertainty and believes that his record demonstrates his ability to deliver results.
Shah became a prominent statewide figure during the COVID-19 pandemic while serving as director of the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention, overseeing the state’s public health response and delivering frequent briefings.
He later served as Principal Deputy Director of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the agency’s second-highest post, and as acting director before stepping down in early 2025. Shah, then, returned to Maine and joined Colby College as a visiting professor.
He also addressed the current political setting and criticized the Trump administration, saying its policies threaten rights and stability, and argued that Maine requires leadership that is ‘steady, tested, and focused on getting things done.’
“As the Trump administration threatens our rights and families are being squeezed by the cost of housing, health care, and everyday life, this moment demands leadership that is steady, tested, and focused on getting things done. I’m ready to step up once again and lead Maine forward as your governor.”
Shah officially launched his gubernatorial campaign in October 2025, and a statewide poll in December last year showed that he is leading the Democratic primary field for Maine governor.
The primary elections in Maine are scheduled for Jun. 9, 2026, with the general election set for Nov. 3, 2026.
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