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Nirav Shah launches first TV ad ‘Driveways’
The ad highlights Shah’s COVID-19 leadership as he enters a crowded Democratic primary
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Malvika Choudhary - Tue, 21, Apr 2026
- 15:11 EDT
- 23
Nirav Shah / Screengrab from the ad
Indian American Democrat Nirav D. Shah on April 21 announced the launch of his first television campaign advertisement, marking the start of his broadcast outreach in the 2026 race for governor of Maine.
Titled “Driveways,” the 30-second spot centers on his COVID-19 leadership and outlines his priorities on housing and health care.
Also Read: Jasmeet Bains launches new campaign ad "Patients"
In a social media post, Shah framed the ad as a continuation of his public health leadership during recent crises. “When we faced our toughest challenge in years, I was honored you let me into your homes. You trusted me to keep us safe, and together we stood up to Donald Trump’s lies about public health,” he wrote.
Today, we are officially on air with our first TV ad "Driveways"!
— Nirav D. Shah (@nirav_maine) April 21, 2026
When we faced our toughest challenge in years, I was honored you let me into your homes. You trusted me to keep us safe, and together we stood up to Donald Trump’s lies about public health. I'm running for… pic.twitter.com/JVj68OySMY
The advertisement opens with a reference to the state’s rural character before shifting to Shah’s role during a public health emergency. It highlights his communication with residents and positions his candidacy as an extension of that work.
In the ad, Shah says he is running “to bring that same results-driven approach to deliver for all Mainers,” outlining priorities including housing, health care funding, and opposition to Trump.
Currently a visiting professor at Colby College, Shah previously served as director of the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention and later as principal deputy director at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention during the COVID-19 pandemic.
He is one of several Democrats contesting the 2026 gubernatorial primary. Campaign finance filings show he had raised approximately $509,767 as of mid-January 2026, with about $339,000 cash on hand.
The campaign has secured endorsements from Lewiston Mayor Carl Sheline, 3.14 Action, Lincoln County Sheriff Todd Brackett, former Maine Emergency Management Agency director Art Cleaves, Indian American Impact, and South Asians for America.
Shah announced his gubernatorial campaign in October 2025, positioning himself on public health, affordability, and economic issues.
The Maine gubernatorial election is scheduled for Nov. 3, with party primaries set for June 9.
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