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Nirav Shah leads Maine Gov Democratic primary: UNH poll
Poll finds Indian American Democrat ahead of rivals as June primary approaches.
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Malvika Choudhary - Tue, 24, Feb 2026
- 15:48 EST
- 27
Nirav Shah / Shah for Maine
Indian American Democrat and Maine gubernatorial candidate Nirav Shah is leading the Democratic primary field, according to a new independent poll.
The Pine Tree State Poll conducted by the University of New Hampshire Survey Center shows Shah as the first choice of 25 percent of likely Democratic primary voters. He leads Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows, who stands at 19 percent, and former Maine Senate President Troy Jackson at 16 percent.
Also Read: Nirav Shah unveils plan to shield Maine from Trump admin
BREAKING A new, independent poll from UNH finds us in the lead.
— Nirav D. Shah (@nirav_maine) February 24, 2026
This poll reinforces what we’re seeing on the ground: packed events, grassroots energy, and Mainers ready for results-driven leadership. We’re so thankful for the support and will continue fighting for every… pic.twitter.com/DUEX9L7VW6
Former Maine House Speaker Hannah Pingree polled at 10 percent, while Angus King III received 5 percent support. Nearly 23 percent of respondents said they remain undecided.
The poll also places Shah at the top of the field on favorability. Sixty percent of likely Democratic primary voters said they view him favorably, while 7 percent expressed an unfavorable opinion. About 22 percent said they do not know enough about him to form a view, giving Shah a net favorability rating of plus 53.
Shah officially launched his gubernatorial campaign in October 2025. A statewide poll conducted in December last year had also shown him leading the Democratic primary field in the race for Maine governor.
Reacting to the latest poll, Shah said on social media that the findings reflect growing momentum for his campaign, citing turnout at campaign events and grassroots support across the state. He said his campaign would continue fighting for every vote.
An attorney, economist, and public health leader, Shah has drawn on his profile as the former director of the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention and a past principal deputy director of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in his campaign messaging.
His campaign has also secured support from national organizations. The Indian American Impact, a political action committee that supports Indian and South Asian American candidates, has endorsed Shah’s run, highlighting his record and the possibility that he could become Maine’s first South Asian and first person of color elected governor if successful in the general election.
The Democratic primary elections in Maine are scheduled for June 9. The general election is set for Nov. 3.
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