News Summary
Representative Sharice Davids has endorsed Dr. Tina Shah in her campaign for the Democratic nomination in New Jersey’s 7th Congressional District. This endorsement marks a significant moment as it is the first from a sitting Member of Congress in this competitive race against incumbent Thomas Kean Jr. Dr. Shah’s campaign focuses on healthcare reform and accessibility, seeking to address critical issues in America’s healthcare system. With strong initial fundraising and support from major publications, her candidacy represents a new direction for the district amid a challenging political landscape.
Flemington, NJ – Representative Sharice Davids has publicly endorsed Dr. Tina Shah in her bid for the Democratic nomination for New Jersey’s 7th Congressional District. This endorsement was announced on July 17, 2025, marking it as the first by a sitting Member of Congress in this competitive race to unseat Republican incumbent, Thomas Kean Jr. The general election is set for November 3, 2026.
Dr. Shah, who officially launched her campaign on July 1, 2025, is one of at least eight Democrats vying for the nomination in New Jersey’s 7th District. Other candidates include Rebecca Bennett, Michael Roth, Brian Varela, and Greg Vartan. The specific dates for the upcoming primaries for both parties have yet to be announced.
Congresswoman Davids praised Dr. Shah for her dedication to healthcare and her capability to tackle complex challenges. As a seasoned intensive care physician and a public health professional, Dr. Shah has previously served in senior positions across three presidential administrations. Notably, she functioned as a Senior Advisor to the U.S. Surgeon General and held the title of National Director of Clinician Wellbeing at the Veterans Affairs department.
Dr. Shah’s campaign centers around the pressing issues of healthcare, which she describes as being in “critical condition” in America. Her medical background and experience inform her perspective on the need for systemic reforms to enhance healthcare accessibility and affordability. She has been critical of Rep. Kean’s voting record, specifically regarding Medicaid and healthcare access.
During the launch of her campaign, Dr. Shah showcased her fundraising capabilities by raising approximately $260,000 on her first day. This financial backing signals strong initial support, critical in a district with a significant political challenge—approximately 20,000 more registered Republicans than Democrats.
The 7th Congressional District is noted as one of the most contested in the nation, making the race particularly significant. Former Representative Tom Malinowski, who was defeated by Kean in the 2022 election, has announced he will not seek a rematch, further shaping the competitive landscape of the Democratic primary.
With representation from major Indian-American publications backing Dr. Shah, her campaign is particularly relevant in this community. She is triple board-certified in internal medicine, pulmonary medicine, and critical care medicine, enhancing her credibility as she seeks to address healthcare policies effectively.
Indeed, Dr. Shah’s candidacy reflects a mixture of professional expertise and a commitment to improving healthcare in New Jersey. Her approach focuses on reducing healthcare costs while expanding access, which she argues is essential for addressing the critical issues facing American healthcare today.
As the race unfolds, all eyes will be on how the Democratic field positions itself against the Republican incumbent and what strategies will emerge to engage voters in a district leaning Republican. The atmosphere in the 7th District is poised for dynamic shifts leading up to the primaries, as candidates prepare to make their case to voters.
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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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LOS ANGELES STAFF WRITER The LOS ANGELES STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELosAngeles.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, and beyond, specializing in "news you can use" with coverage of product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates, while delivering top reporting on high-value events like the Academy Awards, LA Auto Show, and Los Angeles Marathon, extending coverage to key organizations such as the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce and the Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board, plus leading businesses in entertainment and technology like Warner Bros. and SpaceX, and as part of the broader HERE network including HEREAnaheim.com , HERECostaMesa.com , HEREHuntingtonBeach.com , and HERESantaAna.com , providing comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape. HERE Anaheim HERE Beverly Hills HERE Coronado HERE Costa Mesa HERE Hollywood HERE Huntington Beach HERE Long Beach HERE Los Angeles HERE Mission Viejo HERE San Diego HERE Santa Ana
