Nirav D Shah

Nirav D. Shah, an epidemiologist, economist, and attorney, is a Democratic candidate for Governor of Maine in 2026. Born in Wisconsin in 1977, he holds a BS from the University of Louisville and a JD and MD from the University of Chicago. Shah's extensive public health career includes serving as Director of the Illinois Department of Public Health, Director of the Maine CDC during the COVID-19 pandemic, and Principal Deputy Director of the U.S. CDC. He is running to address rising costs, housing challenges, and healthcare accessibility, advocating for reproductive rights, expanding education opportunities, promoting clean energy, and streamlining housing development. Shah, who lives in Brunswick, is married and speaks multiple languages.