News Summary
Congresswoman Sharice Davids has endorsed Dr. Tina Shah for the Democratic nomination for New Jersey’s 7th Congressional District. This significant endorsement highlights Shah’s experience in healthcare and her potential to challenge incumbent Republican Thomas Kean Jr. Shah, an intensive care physician, has launched an ambitious campaign focusing on healthcare reform while competing against at least eight other Democratic candidates in a highly competitive election landscape.
Newark, NJ – July 17, 2025
In a significant development for New Jersey’s political landscape, Congresswoman Sharice Davids (KS-03) has officially endorsed Dr. Tina Shah as she seeks the Democratic nomination to represent New Jersey’s 7th Congressional District in the upcoming 2026 election. This marks the first endorsement from a sitting member of Congress for a candidate aiming to flip this highly competitive district.
Key Details of the Endorsement
On July 17, 2025, Davids announced her support for Shah, highlighting her dedication to healthcare issues and her ability to tackle complex problems. Davids praised Shah’s background in medicine and her commitment to advocating for systemic health reforms. The endorsement signals strong backing from experienced legislators and emphasizes Shah’s potential to challenge the district’s incumbent Republican, Thomas Kean Jr.
The Race for the Democratic Nomination
Several Democrats have declared their candidacies for the district, which is regarded as one of the most politically competitive in the nation. According to Ballotpedia, at least eight candidates, including Shah, are vying for the Democratic nomination. The primary elections date has not yet been announced, but the general election is scheduled for November 3, 2026.
Among her competitors are candidates such as Rebecca Bennett, Michael Roth, Brian Varela, and Greg Vartan. Notably, former Representative Tom Malinowski, who was defeated by Kean in 2022, has decided not to seek a rematch this cycle.
Shah’s Background and Campaign Platform
Dr. Tina Shah brings a diverse and distinguished background to her campaign. She is an intensive care physician with triple board certification in internal medicine, pulmonary medicine, and critical care medicine. Her experience includes serving in prominent roles under three presidential administrations, such as a Senior Advisor to the U.S. Surgeon General and the National Director of Clinician Wellbeing in the Veterans Affairs department.
Shah launched her campaign on July 1, 2025, emphasizing the state of healthcare in the United States. She has publicly stated that “America is in critical condition” regarding health systems, highlighting the urgent need for reforms that reduce costs and improve access. During her campaign launch, she achieved an impressive fundraising milestone by raising approximately $260,000 on her first day.
The District’s Political Landscape and Challenges
The 7th District is known for its political competitiveness and demographic diversity. It has roughly 20,000 more registered Republicans than Democrats, making victory in the general election challenging for Democratic candidates. Shah’s focus on healthcare is seen as a strategic effort to appeal to a broad electorate that is increasingly concerned about healthcare affordability and accessibility.
The district’s demographic makeup and voting tendencies have made it a priority target for Democrats aiming to flip the seat. Shah’s campaign emphasizes her extensive experience in healthcare policy, as well as her leadership roles in the Obama and Biden administrations, to appeal to both party loyalists and independent voters.
Community and Cultural Support
Shah holds significance within the Indian-American community, given her heritage and professional background. Her campaign benefits from the support of major Indian-American publications, which underscores her relevance among diverse voter groups. Her advocacy for healthcare reform aims to resonate with working-class families and minority communities disproportionately affected by healthcare disparities.
Conclusion
The endorsement of Dr. Tina Shah by Congresswoman Sharice Davids marks a notable moment in the race for New Jersey’s 7th Congressional District. With her strong healthcare credentials, significant fundraising, and strategic campaign efforts, Shah positions herself as a prominent contender to unseat the incumbent Kean. As the primaries approach, her campaign will continue to target the district’s diverse electorate in the effort to secure the Democratic nomination and ultimately compete in the 2026 general election.
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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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VIRGINIA BEACH STAFF WRITER The VIRGINIA BEACH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREVirginiaBeach.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Virginia Beach, Virginia Beach City, 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 the Virginia Beach Neptune Festival, East Coast Surfing Championship, and the American Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Virginia Beach Chamber of Commerce and Visit Virginia Beach, plus leading businesses in tourism and defense that power the local economy such as the Virginia Beach Convention Center and Northrop Grumman. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Virginia's dynamic landscape.
