Democratic gubernatorial candidate Dr. Nirav Shah made a final appeal to voters on Monday, urging Mainers to support his campaign in Tuesday’s primary election while highlighting his leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic and outlining his plans to address housing affordability, healthcare access, and federal challenges facing the state.
Speaking at a press conference on Monday, Shah framed his candidacy around public service and crisis leadership, reminding voters of his role leading Maine’s public health response during the pandemic.
“When the pandemic hit, I had the responsibility of leading Maine’s response,” Shah said. “I stood up in front of you, day after day, and told you the truth, even when the truth was hard.”
READ: Physician groups back Dr. Nirav Shah in Maine Governor Race (January 12, 2026)
Shah contrasted his approach with what he described as politics driven by slogans and sound bites, arguing that leadership should be measured by whether people’s lives improve.
The candidate focused heavily on economic concerns, saying Maine families are facing rising costs and financial pressures. He pointed voters to policy proposals aimed at expanding housing construction, lowering living costs, and preserving access to healthcare.
“I will protect health care as if your life depends on it, because for many Mainers, it does,” Shah said.
Shah also positioned himself as a counterweight to President Donald Trump, arguing that the next governor must be prepared to shield Maine from policies he believes could harm residents.
“The next Governor must be ready to create a firewall between his worst instincts and the health and wellbeing of Mainers,” Shah said.
Throughout the speech, Shah emphasized optimism, collective action, and practical governance. He argued that effective government can improve people’s lives and suggested that delivering results is the strongest response to political division.
“It has been about the idea that the best resistance to Donald Trump is results,” he said. “We will show the world that we can do something that Trump cannot: govern well.”
In his closing appeal, Shah addressed undecided voters directly and urged supporters to participate in Maine’s ranked-choice voting system.
READ: ‘Asked if my social media was public’: Reddit user recounts H-1B visa interview (
“Tomorrow, June 9, you can rank your choices. I am asking you to rank me number one,” he said.
Shah concluded by encouraging voters to bring friends and neighbors to the polls, saying the outcome would depend on turnout and civic participation.
“I love this state, I have served this state, and I am ready to do it again, this time as your Governor,” he said.