January 15th, 2026

Indian American Impact Fund Endorses Nirav Shah for Governor of Maine

Washington, DC — Today, the Indian American Impact Fund proudly endorses Nirav Shah for Governor of Maine. If elected, Shah would be the first South Asian and person of color elected to Maine’s governorship and would serve as the first South Asian American Democratic governor in the United States.

Shah has a law degree and medical degree from the University of Chicago and brings his wealth of experience in health care law and management to his campaign. In 2019, Shah was appointed as the head of the Maine CDC and led the state through the devastating COVID-19 pandemic. His work provided early PPE for healthcare workers, expansion of testing, and a vaccine rollout that was modeled across the country, achieving some of the highest vaccination rates in the country in the fastest times and maintaining one of the lowest death rates in the country. In recognition of this work, President Biden named Shah the Principal Deputy Director of the U.S. CDC, the agency’s second in command. Now he brings his leadership and knowledge back to Maine to help his state tackle the growing affordability crisis facing Mainers.

Chintan Patel, Executive Director of Indian American Impact Fund, released the following statement:

“We are proud to endorse Nirav Shah’s candidacy to become the first South Asian Governor of Maine because he is the exact type of leader needed in this moment. He is battle tested and his work guiding Maine through one of the most devastating crises in American history will serve him in fighting the affordability crisis facing Mainers by tackling energy costs, increasing affordable housing, lowering healthcare costs, and fueling economic growth. As a first-generation American and career public servant, Nirav embodies the values of integrity, fairness, and opportunity that Indian American Impact Fund works every day to advance. We are excited to support Nirav’s candidacy and to see all he can accomplish as Governor of Maine.”

Nirav Shah added: “I’m honored and humbled by the endorsement of the Indian American Impact Fund. My story and my family’s story, like so many other Mainers’, is rooted in the promise that hard work and service can make a real difference. Maine trusted me to lead in a moment of crisis, and now I’m committed to bringing that same steady, results-driven leadership to tackling affordability, strengthening our communities, and building opportunity for every Mainer. I’m proud to have the support of IMPACT as we take on this work together.”

About Indian American Impact Fund

Since its inception in 2016, Indian American Impact Fund has endorsed and supported 200+ candidates across the country, contributing to the historic rise of Indian and South Asian American representation in politics. Through strategic investments and grassroots organizing, Impact has marshaled upwards of $20 million to candidates and robust voter mobilization and policy advocacy efforts, amplifying the voices of South Asian Americans and driving positive change in communities nationwide.

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