ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Former Maine Senator backs Nirav Shah for Governor
The endorsement comes days before Maine Democrats vote in the June 9 gubernatorial primary.
-
Malvika Choudhary - Thu, 04, Jun 2026
- 11:22 EDT
- 90
Nirav Shah / Screengrab from the ad
Former Maine State Senator Susan Longley endorsed Nirav Shah in Maine's Democratic gubernatorial primary, praising his ability to tackle complex policy challenges and bring together diverse stakeholders to deliver results.
Longley, who served four consecutive terms in the Maine Senate from 1994 to 2002, held several influential leadership positions during her legislative career, including chairing the Senate Judiciary Committee and the Health and Human Services Committee. She earned a reputation for her work on legal, health care, child welfare and tribal sovereignty issues.
Also Read: Nirav Shah releases final campaign ad for Maine governor
In announcing her endorsement, Longley said Shah possesses the leadership qualities needed to address the state's most pressing challenges.
“Throughout my years in public service, I learned that Maine’s toughest challenges require leaders who can do more than talk about problems. They have to understand complexity, bring people together, and deliver real results,” Longley said.
“Nirav Shah has proven he can do exactly that. He led with steadiness and compassion during one of the most difficult periods our state has ever faced, and he has the judgment, integrity, and experience Maine needs in its next governor.”
“I am proud to endorse Nirav because I know he will lead with both heart and discipline, and because I trust him to move Maine forward,” she added.
Shah welcomed Longley's endorsement and highlighted her record of public service.
“I’m grateful for former State Senator Susan Longley’s endorsement and the example she has set in service of our state,” Shah said. “Her work has always been about finding common ground and solutions that deliver results for Mainers.”
In addition to Longley, Shah has secured endorsements from former Maine Emergency Management Agency Director Art Cleaves, Lincoln County Sheriff Todd Brackett and Lewiston Mayor Carl Sheline.
The Democratic primary field includes Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows, former Senate President Troy Jackson, businessman Angus King III and former House Speaker Hannah Pingree.
Shah had raised more than $830,000 and reported approximately $428,000 cash on hand as of April 28, placing him among the leading fundraisers in the Democratic contest.
According to the campaign, Shah is leading or tied for the lead in all 10 publicly released polls ahead of the primary. Public polling has consistently placed him among the frontrunners since entering the race.
Maine's primary election will be held on June 9, with Democratic voters selecting a nominee to advance to the November general election to succeed term-limited Gov. Janet Mills. Maine uses ranked-choice voting in its primary elections.
Discover more at New India Abroad.
Related
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
E Paper
Video
Comments
Start the conversation
Become a member of New India Abroad to start commenting.
Sign Up Now
Already have an account? Login