Indian-American Representative for the state of Arizona, Amish Shah, declared his intention to run for Congress. The Phoenix-based physician, who is currently serving his third term as a member of the state House of Representatives said he wants to a make an even greater impact by being a Congressman.
Having had more bills signed into law than any other Democrat currently in the Arizona legislature, Shah said, “I have seen the difference a single person can make within the government to improve people’s lives. Serving in Congress is an opportunity to make an even greater positive impact on issues affecting Arizona.”
Emphasizing his priorities he further said, "Giving back is a core value for me. Because of the sacrifices of my parents, who both came to this country from India to pursue a better life, I was able to become a doctor, work onfield with the NFL, and be the first Indian-American to serve in the Arizona legislature. We need to try to understand each other and navigate our differences if we hope to tackle vital issues facing our country such as public education, quality affordable health care, climate change, and voting rights. It would be an honor to address these issues on behalf of Arizonans in the U.S. Congress.”
Shah first registered as a Republican but changed his party preference to Democrat for an election on May 17, 2016, and has registered as a Democrat since then. A certified emergency physician of fifteen years, he has advocated for increasing access to healthcare and improving Arizona’s health care work force.
The Indian American was named 2022 Women’s Health Care Champion Legislator of the Year by the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology for his work in protecting reproductive rights. In 2022, he also received the Nursing Hero Award from the Arizona Nurses Association, and the President’s Award for Mental Health Advocacy from the Arizona Psychiatric Society.
