News Summary
Congresswoman Sharice Davids has endorsed Dr. Tina Shah for the Democratic nomination in New Jersey’s highly competitive 7th Congressional District. This endorsement comes as Shah positions herself against current Republican Rep. Thomas Kean Jr. in the 2026 election. Highlighting her extensive healthcare background and early fundraising success, Dr. Shah aims for comprehensive reforms and seeks to unite diverse voter groups, particularly within the Indian-American community. With multiple candidates in the race, the upcoming primaries are anticipated to be fiercely contested.
Shrewsbury, NJ – July 17, 2025
In a notable development in the race for New Jersey’s 7th Congressional District, Congresswoman Sharice Davids from Kansas has publicly endorsed Dr. Tina Shah for the Democratic nomination. This endorsement marks the first from a sitting member of Congress for a candidate competing to unseat the district’s incumbent Republican, Thomas Kean Jr., in the upcoming 2026 election.
Key Details of the Endorsement and Race
Rep. Davids announced her support for Dr. Shah on July 17, 2025, highlighting her dedication to healthcare and problem-solving capabilities. Shah’s campaign emphasizes her diverse professional background as an intensive care physician and her experience working under three presidential administrations, including roles as a Senior Advisor to the U.S. Surgeon General and as the National Director of Clinician Wellbeing within the Veterans Affairs department.
The race for the Democratic nomination is increasingly competitive, with at least eight candidates including Shah, Rebecca Bennett, Michael Roth, Brian Varela, and Greg Vartan, vying for the party’s support. The designated dates for the primary elections remain unannounced, but the general election is scheduled for November 3, 2026.
Background and Campaign Launch
Dr. Shah officially launched her campaign on July 1, 2025, emphasizing the deteriorating state of the American healthcare system. Her campaign rhetoric focuses on systemic healthcare reforms, including reducing costs and expanding access to quality care. During her campaign’s first day, she raised approximately $260,000, demonstrating early financial support.
The 7th District in New Jersey is regarded as one of the most competitive districts in the nation, with approximately 20,000 more registered Republicans than Democrats, presenting inherent challenges for Democratic candidates to secure victory.
Her Approach and Political Positioning
Dr. Shah has voiced criticism against her Republican opponent, Rep. Thomas Kean Jr., citing votes that oppose Medicaid expansion and increase barriers to healthcare access. Her focus on healthcare policy stems from her extensive medical credentials; she is triple board-certified in internal medicine, pulmonary medicine, and critical care medicine. Her healthcare advocacy is rooted in her personal professional history and aims for comprehensive reforms.
Community and Demographic Support
Given her background, Dr. Shah holds particular significance within the Indian-American community, which has a notable presence in the district. Her campaign has received support from prominent Indian-American publications, reflecting her relevance and potential to mobilize diverse voter groups.
Historical and Political Context
Former Rep. Tom Malinowski, who was defeated by Kean Jr. in the 2022 election, has decided not to seek a rematch, opening the field further for current candidates. During the Obama administration, both Rep. Davids and Shah served as White House Fellows, indicating shared experience at high levels of government service.
With a background rooted in healthcare and federal service, Shah presents herself as a candidate capable of addressing national healthcare crises, aiming to bring systemic change through legislative efforts. Her campaign underscores her objective to improve healthcare policies, lowering costs and increasing coverage for underserved populations.
Summary
This endorsement by Rep. Davids reflects a strategic alignment within Democratic ranks to challenge Republican dominance in the district. With multiple candidates vying for the nomination and the general election expected to be highly competitive, Dr. Shah’s campaign is positioned for a significant impact, particularly given her professional credentials, early fundraising success, and historical significance within the Indian-American community.
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HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- New Jersey Globe: Kansas Congresswoman Endorses Shah for NJ-7
- Wikipedia: Tina Shah
- India Times: Rep. Sharice Davids Endorses Dr. Tina Shah
- Google Search: Tina Shah Congress
- American Bazaar: Tina Shah Running for Congress from New Jersey’s 7th District
- Google Scholar: Tina Shah Healthcare
- Insider NJ: CD-7 Flashpoint Shah Sends a Message to Kean Jr.
- Encyclopedia Britannica: New Jersey Congress
- DIYA TV: Dr. Tina Shah Launches Bid for Congress
- Google News: Tina Shah
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