AUGUSTA, Maine (Diya TV) — Indian American physician and former Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention Director Dr. Nirav Shah has suspended his campaign for the Democratic nomination for the U.S. Senate and endorsed former Maine Senate President Troy Jackson. The move comes as Maine Democrats work to unify before the party’s nominating convention later this month and prepare for a high-profile challenge against Republican Sen. Susan Collins.
Shah announced his decision on July 19 in a statement shared on social media. He urged Democrats to come together as the party looks ahead to the 2026 Senate race.
“To Maine Democrats: Susan Collins will not be defeated without a united Democratic Party. And we cannot unite without treating one another with respect,” Shah said. He also encouraged supporters of every candidate to remain respectful during the campaign.
Shah directed sharp criticism at Collins, who is seeking a sixth term in the U.S. Senate. He argued that she does not represent a moderate political position. He pointed to her support for the Iraq War, funding for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and her vote to confirm Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh. Shah said those decisions have had lasting effects on families across Maine.
He also explained why he entered the race earlier this month. Shah said he could not accept the possibility of Collins winning another term without a strong Democratic challenge. He argued that many Maine families now face the consequences of votes Collins supported during her time in office.
Shah’s withdrawal marked another major change in the Democratic primary race. On the same day, Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows also suspended her Senate campaign. Meanwhile, Maine Beer Company co-founder Dan Kleban ended his campaign one day earlier.
Both Shah and Kleban quickly endorsed Jackson. However, Bellows chose not to endorse any candidate after ending her campaign.
The latest developments came shortly after county caucuses selected delegates for the Maine Democratic Party’s nominating convention. Party members will gather in Bangor on July 25 to choose a new Democratic nominee for the U.S. Senate.
The nomination became open earlier this month after primary winner Graham Platner withdrew from the race. Platner stepped aside after a sexual assault allegation surfaced against him. He has denied the allegation.
Shah entered the Senate race on July 9 after Platner’s withdrawal created an unexpected opening. Although his campaign lasted only a short time, he quickly became one of several candidates seeking the Democratic nomination.
Shah has built a national reputation through his work in public health. He previously served as the Principal Deputy Director of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention during the Biden administration. Before that, he led the Maine CDC and became widely known for guiding the state’s public health response during the COVID-19 pandemic.
His public health leadership earned broad recognition across Maine. As a result, many voters already knew him before he entered state politics.
Shah is of Gujarati heritage. His parents immigrated to the United States during the 1970s. Over the years, he has often spoken about the importance of public service and community health.
Before launching his Senate campaign, Shah also sought elected office in Maine. He ran for the Democratic nomination for governor during the 2025-26 election cycle. However, he finished second to Hannah Pingree.
Jackson now enters the party convention with endorsements from both Shah and Kleban. Their support could help consolidate Democratic voters before delegates choose a nominee.
