Several major physician-led political action committees in Maine have thrown their financial support behind Dr. Nirav Shah’s bid for governor, citing his medical background, pandemic-era leadership, and commitment to strengthening the state’s health care system.
The Nirav Shah for Governor campaign announced that the Maine Emergency Medicine Action Fund (MEMAF), the Maine Eye Political Action Committee (MEPAC), the Maine Physicians Action Fund (MPAF), and the Maine Society of Anesthesiologists Political Action Committee (MeSA PAC) are backing his candidacy. The groups pointed to Shah’s training as a physician and his record of standing with frontline workers during the COVID-19 crisis.
MEMAF is affiliated with the Maine Chapter of the American College of Emergency Physicians, MEPAC represents the Maine Society of Eye Surgeons and Physicians, MPAF is associated with the Maine Medical Association, and MeSA PAC is tied to the Maine Society of Anesthesiologists. All four are nonpartisan PACs that support physician candidates who understand the pressures facing Maine’s health care system and advocate solutions centered on patient care.
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“In these times, we are heartened to see a pro-medicine physician enter the race, and contributing to his campaign is exactly in line with the mission of our PACs. Having physicians step into public office isn’t just beneficial; it’s essential. At a moment when Maine’s health care system faces a deepening crisis, we need people running for office who bring real health care experience and an understanding of patients’ needs to the job,” said Jay Mullen MD, MBA, FACEP, Chair of the Maine Physicians Action Fund.
Supporters also highlighted Shah’s role during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, when he served as one of Maine’s most visible public health leaders.
“When the COVID-19 pandemic erupted, Dr. Shah led from the top and stood with us as emergency physicians working through the most difficult period of our careers. His calm, decisive guidance helped Maine navigate a crisis while keeping human impact front and center,” said Sheldon Stevenson, DO, President of the Maine Chapter of the American College of Emergency Physicians (MEACEP).
Physician leaders say Shah’s firsthand experience is especially relevant as Maine grapples with workforce shortages, rising costs, and access challenges across the state.
“Physicians bring a critical, firsthand perspective to public service that simply can’t be replicated. As Maine’s health care system faces mounting workforce shortages, access challenges, and rising costs, having leaders who understand these realities from the exam room to the bedside is more important than ever,” said Michelle Harris, MD, President of Maine Society of Eye Physicians and Surgeons (MSEPS).
Mullen further emphasized Shah’s steadiness during the public health emergency.
“Dr. Shah is a pro-medicine physician who demonstrated extraordinary compassion and steadiness during the pandemic, helping safeguard clinicians and guiding Maine through an unprecedented public health crisis. We look forward to having a physician in the gubernatorial race who will bring expertise with the health care crisis to the center stage.”
Shah welcomed the endorsements, framing them as a signal of trust from the medical community.
“I am honored to have earned the trust and backing of the MEMAF, MEPAC, MPAF, and the MesSA PAC” said Nirav Shah, MD. “Their support underscores my commitment to fighting for affordable, high-quality health care for every Mainer. As Governor, I will work tirelessly to expand access to care, protect rural hospitals, strengthen maternal health, and ensure that every Mainer — no matter where they live — can get the services they need. During COVID-19, I saw firsthand the dedication of Maine’s physicians and frontline workers. Their partnership and sacrifice are the reason Maine came through with strength and resilience, and as Governor, I will continue fighting for them.”
The endorsements come as Maine faces growing health care pressures, including uncertainty around Affordable Care Act subsidies that could threaten coverage for tens of thousands of residents, along with rural clinic closures, staffing shortages, and hospitals under financial strain.
During the pandemic, Shah emerged as a trusted public voice, helping guide complex health decisions while working to secure personal protective equipment, expand testing capacity, and build vaccination infrastructure aimed at protecting physicians, nurses, and other frontline workers. Under his leadership, Maine recorded some of the highest vaccination rates and lowest COVID-19 mortality rates in the country.
Health care access, equity, and rebuilding the state’s provider workforce have emerged as central pillars of Shah’s gubernatorial campaign, positioning his candidacy squarely around his experience in medicine and public health.