WASHINGTON (Diya TV) — Indian American physician Dr. Tina Shah says her decision to enter electoral politics came from years spent in intensive care units, where she watched patients suffer after care was delayed or denied because of insurance rules. Now, Shah is seeking the Democratic nomination in New Jersey’s 7th Congressional District, becoming the only Indian American in the race. She argues that the healthcare failures she witnessed as a doctor are rooted in policy decisions made in Washington.
Shah, a triple board-certified physician in internal medicine, pulmonary medicine, and critical care, said she never planned to run for office. Her work at the bedside changed that.
“Every time I practice, I see someone who couldn’t afford their medicines or had care denied,” Shah told IANS in an exclusive interview. She said those experiences made it impossible to stay silent. She described repeated cases where patients arrived at the hospital in critical condition after insurance companies delayed approvals for tests or medications. “We are in the U.S., and we still do not have a system that works for everyone,” she said.
Shah said recent healthcare policy decisions have worsened access for low-income patients. She pointed to Medicaid cuts and the loss of Affordable Care Act subsidies as major setbacks.
“People who are most vulnerable are losing coverage,” she said. Shah added that Congress has failed to control high drug prices or stop frequent insurance denials.
One case still drives her campaign message. A long-term asthma patient lost access to inhalers after an insurance change required prior authorization. The request was denied. The patient later landed in the ICU on a ventilator.
“This should never happen in this country,” Shah said.
That case pushed Shah into healthcare advocacy in New Jersey. She joined doctors, nurses, and patients in a grassroots effort to pressure state leaders to act against insurance denials. The campaign succeeded. State-regulated insurers can no longer deny essential care in the same way. Shah said the victory shows what public pressure can achieve. She wants similar protections nationwide.
“People should not fear losing care because of paperwork,” she said.
Shah brings years of policy experience to the race. She has served under three White House administrations. As a senior adviser to the U.S. surgeon general, she helped develop the first federal strategy to address clinician burnout.
At the Department of Veterans Affairs, Shah became the agency’s first national director of clinician wellbeing. She worked to improve medical records systems and expand primary care access for veterans. She later entered the private sector as chief clinical officer at a healthcare artificial intelligence company. Her work focused on cutting administrative tasks so doctors could spend more time with patients.
Shah has openly criticized former President Donald Trump’s healthcare approach. She accused his administration of dismantling effective programs and cutting research funding. “We cannot stay competitive if we stop investing in science,” she said.
While she acknowledged efforts to lower drug prices, Shah said the impact remains limited. “A medicine that still costs over $1,000 a month is not affordable,” she said. She added that tariff uncertainty has also confused patients.
Shah’s campaign also reflects her identity as a second-generation Indian American. Her parents came to North America seeking opportunity and focused on education. She said the Indian American community in New Jersey plays a major economic role but remains underrepresented in Congress. Issues like H-1B visas and rising hate crimes, she said, demand stronger advocacy.
“There is no place for hate,” Shah said. She stressed the need for due process and equal treatment under the law.
New Jersey’s 7th District is one of the most competitive House races in the country. Democrats see it as key to regaining control of Congress. Shah has sharply criticized Republican incumbent Tom Kean Jr., calling him disconnected from voters. “I am going to beat him,” she said.
Her campaign reported strong early fundraising. As of early January, Shah had raised more than $1 million, focusing her message on lowering costs, protecting reproductive rights, and expanding healthcare access.
Shah continues to practice medicine while campaigning. She said staying in the clinic keeps her connected to voters’ daily struggles.
“If elected, I will bring those voices to Congress,” she said.
If she wins, Shah would become the first Indian American to represent New Jersey in Congress, marking a historic milestone in a race with national consequences.
