Physician and Democratic candidate Amish Shah is campaigning for a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives, hoping to become the first Indian-American to represent Arizona in Congress. He will face Republican Jay Feely, a former NFL kicker endorsed by President Donald Trump, in the November 3, 2026, election for Arizona’s 1st Congressional District. The contest is considered important in determining control of the House.
Shah previously broke barriers in 2018 when he became the first Indian-American elected to Arizona’s state legislature. Serving from 2019 to 2024, he drew on more than 20 years of experience in emergency and sports medicine. His campaign says he secured the passage of more bills than any other Arizona Democrat over a decade. He won the Democratic primary in July after defeating three challengers and has personally visited more than 28,000 homes as part of his grassroots outreach.
His campaign priorities include lowering health insurance premiums and prescription drug costs, protecting reproductive rights, supporting small businesses, reducing living expenses, and safeguarding Social Security and Medicare. The seat became open after Republican incumbent David Schweikert decided to run for governor.
Born in Chicago to parents from Gujarat, India, Shah grew up with Indian cultural traditions and an American education. His father follows Jainism, while his mother is Hindu. He credits the Jain principles of Anekantavada, which recognizes different perspectives, and Ahimsa, or nonviolence, with shaping his approach to public service. A Northwestern University graduate with medical degrees and a public health master’s from UC Berkeley, Shah also founded the Arizona Vegetarian Food Festival and has volunteered his piloting skills to assist underserved communities.
His candidacy comes as Indian-American representation in Congress faces potential changes. Six lawmakers of Indian origin currently serve in the House, all Democrats. Shah and Florida Democratic nominee Pia Dandiya have received support from Indian American Impact, which invested $250,000 in Shah’s primary campaign and pledged continued backing for his November bid.
