News Summary
Rep. Sharice Davids has endorsed Dr. Tina Shah for the Democratic nomination in New Jersey’s 7th Congressional District, marking a significant moment in a competitive race. Dr. Shah aims to unseat incumbent Republican Thomas Kean Jr. with a strong healthcare-focused campaign. Facing stiff competition from other Democrats, she emphasizes systemic reforms to improve healthcare access. With a proven background in healthcare and experience across administrations, Dr. Shah’s campaign marks a pivotal moment as she prepares for the upcoming primaries.
Flemington, NJ – On July 17, 2025, Rep. Sharice Davids (KS-03) endorsed Dr. Tina Shah in her bid for the Democratic nomination in New Jersey’s 7th Congressional District. Dr. Shah is aiming to unseat Republican incumbent Thomas Kean Jr. in the upcoming general election scheduled for November 3, 2026. This endorsement marks the first from a sitting Member of Congress in the highly competitive race, highlighting the significance of Dr. Shah’s candidacy, as noted in her campaign’s press release.
At least eight Democrats have officially entered the race for the 7th District’s nomination, according to research from Ballotpedia. While the specific dates for the primary elections are still pending announcement, challenges in the district loom large. Notably, the Republican voter base exceeds the Democratic registered voters by approximately 20,000, presenting Dr. Shah with a considerable hurdle in mobilizing support.
In her endorsement, Congresswoman Davids commended Dr. Shah for her unwavering commitment to healthcare and her proven capability to tackle challenging issues impacting American citizens. Dr. Shah brings a wealth of experience, having served as an intensive care physician and in pivotal roles across three presidential administrations. Her past responsibilities include serving as a Senior Advisor to the U.S. Surgeon General and as the National Director of Clinician Wellbeing within the Veterans Affairs department.
After launching her campaign on July 1, 2025, Dr. Shah made headlines by raising about $260,000 on her first fundraising day. She articulated her concern that “America is in critical condition” with respect to healthcare and is focused on advocating for reforms aimed at reducing costs and expanding access to medical services.
Dr. Shah faces stiff competition from other notable Democratic candidates, which include Rebecca Bennett, Michael Roth, Brian Varela, and Greg Vartan. Former Representative Tom Malinowski, who lost to Kean in 2022, has confirmed that he will not seek a rematch. In her campaign, Dr. Shah has publicly criticized Rep. Kean for his votes against Medicaid and his positions on healthcare access, suggesting these positions adversely affect constituents’ well-being.
The 7th Congressional District is often viewed as one of the most fiercely contested districts in the nation, making Dr. Shah’s experience and background particularly relevant. Besides her clinical expertise, Dr. Shah is triple board-certified in internal medicine, pulmonary medicine, and critical care medicine, underscoring her extensive medical knowledge and qualifications. She also has significant ties to the Indian-American community, bolstered by support from several major Indian-American publications, which highlights her appeal within that demographic.
Dr. Shah and Rep. Davids share a history as they worked together as White House Fellows during the Obama administration, reinforcing the connection and trust highlighted in the endorsement. The upcoming primaries and the Democratic nomination fight will be closely watched, as candidates prepare-to-challenge the existing Republican majority in New Jersey’s 7th District. Political analysts anticipate a crowded and dynamic race as election season approaches.
Dr. Shah’s campaign appears to be centered around healthcare issues, positing systemic reforms as necessary steps toward improving healthcare accessibility in the United States. As Election Day approaches, the political landscape will continue to shift, providing each contender an opportunity to articulate their vision and garner support.
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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
Author: STAFF HERE MILWAUKEE WRITER
MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER The MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMilwaukee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like 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 drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Summerfest, Milwaukee Film Festival, and the Milwaukee Boat Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce and Visit Milwaukee, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and brewing that power the local economy such as Harley-Davidson and MillerCoors. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Wisconsin's dynamic landscape.
