Indian American physician Dr Tina Shah has officially stepped into the Democratic primary race for New Jersey’s 7th Congressional District, one of the most closely contested seats in the state. Entering a crowded field, Shah is positioning herself as a policy-driven candidate focused heavily on healthcare reform, affordability, and patient rights. She is currently the only Indian American running in the race, a factor that adds historic significance to her bid.
Since launching her campaign in July 2025, Shah has demonstrated notable financial strength. By early January 2026, her campaign had brought in approximately $1.017 million, reflecting rapid donor support. Financial disclosures show she raised about $0.604 million in the third quarter and another $0.413 million in the final quarter of the year. She closed the year with nearly $0.65 million available for campaigning, placing her among the strongest fundraisers in the Democratic contest.
Shah’s campaign narrative is deeply shaped by her medical background. A triple board-certified physician in internal medicine, pulmonary medicine, and critical care, she has spent years working at the intersection of healthcare delivery and federal policy. Her professional experience includes senior roles under multiple US administrations, where she contributed to national health initiatives and workforce reforms.
One of her most prominent roles was serving as a senior advisor to the US Surgeon General, where she helped design the federal government’s first strategy to address clinician burnout. At the Department of Veterans Affairs, she became the first National Director of Clinician Wellbeing, working to expand primary care access and improve digital health systems for veterans. She later entered the private sector as a chief clinical officer at a healthcare artificial intelligence company, focusing on reducing administrative strain on doctors.
On the campaign trail, Shah has been openly critical of Republican leadership, including incumbent Congressman Tom Kean Jr. She argues that current policies prioritize industry profits over patients and has pledged to protect reproductive rights, strengthen insurance regulations, and reduce healthcare costs for working families.
Her candidacy gained further momentum after receiving an endorsement from Congressman Ami Bera, who highlighted her real-world medical experience and policy expertise. A second-generation Indian American, Shah often references her parents’ immigrant journey as a driving force behind her decision to run, framing her campaign as a fight for trust, science-based governance, and accessible healthcare as the 2026 election cycle intensifies.
