Nirav Shah’s campaign for governor is showing early signs of statewide strength, reporting a robust fundraising haul and growing support across Maine.
In its first campaign finance filing, Shah’s campaign said it raised $510,000, drawing contributions from nearly 1,600 individual donors spanning all 16 counties in the state. The campaign described the milestone as evidence of broad grassroots momentum built during Shah’s first months on the trail.
Since launching his bid, Shah has traveled extensively across Maine, holding meetings with voters and working to assemble a diverse statewide coalition. Campaign officials said the fundraising total reflects enthusiasm generated through in-person engagement and issue-focused conversations.
“I’ve been incredibly energized by these first few months on the trail — the conversations, the ideas, and the encouragement I’ve heard from people all across Maine,” Shah said. “This early support tells me that Mainers are ready for a tested, compassionate leader focused on solving real problems. I’m deeply grateful to the nearly 1,600 people who have stepped up to be part of this campaign.”
The fundraising announcement comes amid a string of developments that have strengthened Shah’s position in the Democratic primary. Earlier this month, a Pan Atlantic Research poll placed Shah at the top of the field, showing him as the frontrunner with the highest level of likely voter support. The campaign said the results align with what it has observed on the ground, particularly voter interest in Shah’s focus on affordability, housing, health care, and economic growth.
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Shah’s campaign has also picked up the endorsement of 314 Action, a national organization that works to elect doctors and scientists to public office. In announcing its backing, the group pointed to Shah’s background in public health and his emphasis on evidence-based policymaking.
According to the campaign, donors include a wide cross-section of Mainers, from health care workers and educators to small business owners, retirees, and young voters participating in a political campaign for the first time.
With several months remaining before the primary, the campaign said it plans to continue investing in early organizing efforts, voter outreach, and building a statewide operation centered on community engagement and trust-building.
Shah’s record in public service has been shaped by moments of extraordinary pressure. As director of the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention, he guided the state through an unprecedented public health crisis, restoring and strengthening an agency that had been weakened in prior years.
His approach drew national attention and later led to his appointment as principal deputy director of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention under President Joe Biden. Across both roles, Shah helped steer Maine and the country through historic challenges, earning recognition for leadership marked by clarity, steadiness, and compassion.