Indian American Doctor Joins NJ Democratic Primary

Indian American physician Tina Shah has joined the Democratic primary race for New Jersey’s 7th Congressional District, becoming the only Indian American in the contest and one of several Democrats vying for the nomination. A critical care specialist, Shah says her decision to run for office was shaped by years in intensive care units, where she repeatedly saw patients suffer after insurance denials and unaffordable medicines delayed treatment.

A triple board-certified doctor, Shah has also served in senior policy roles across three White House administrations, including as a senior advisor to the US Surgeon General and the first National Director of Clinician Wellbeing at the Department of Veterans Affairs. She has been vocal in criticising healthcare policies under Donald Trump, arguing that cuts to Medicaid, insurance subsidies and medical research have hurt vulnerable patients. Positioning herself as a challenger to Republican incumbent Tom Kean Jr., Shah says the district needs leadership rooted in real-world experience, not career politics.

Backed by strong early fundraising—her campaign says it has crossed the $1 million mark—Shah is pitching her run as a fight to lower healthcare costs, protect reproductive rights and give communities like Indian Americans a stronger voice in Congress. If elected, she would become the first Indian American to represent New Jersey in the US House, in what is expected to be one of the most closely watched races in the country.