News Summary
In a significant political endorsement, Representative Sharice Davids has declared her support for Dr. Tina Shah in her campaign for the Democratic nomination in New Jersey’s 7th Congressional District. This backing marks an important milestone as Dr. Shah aims to challenge GOP incumbent Thomas Kean Jr. in the upcoming general election. With a focus on healthcare reforms and strong initial fundraising, Shah emerges as a leading contender among a crowded field of Democratic candidates.
Bridgewater, New Jersey — Representative Sharice Davids (KS-03) has officially endorsed Dr. Tina Shah in her campaign for the Democratic nomination in New Jersey’s 7th Congressional District. This announcement was made on July 17, 2025, and marks a significant moment in the race as it is the first endorsement from a sitting Member of Congress aimed at flipping this competitive district, according to Shah’s campaign press release.
Dr. Shah is looking to challenge the incumbent Republican, Thomas Kean Jr., in the upcoming general election, which is scheduled for November 3, 2026. Her campaign has gained prominence since its launch on July 1, 2025, where she emphasized the critical condition of the American healthcare system and the need for systemic changes to reduce costs and expand access to care.
At least eight Democratic candidates have announced their intentions to run for the 7th District, indicating a crowded field as the primaries approach. Notable competitors include Rebecca Bennett, Michael Roth, Brian Varela, and Greg Vartan. The specific dates for the upcoming Republican and Democratic primaries have yet to be disclosed, adding an element of anticipation as the election cycle approaches.
Congresswoman Davids has praised Dr. Shah’s unwavering commitment to healthcare and her proven ability to tackle difficult challenges. Dr. Shah is an intensive care physician with a diverse professional background, having served in pivotal roles under three presidential administrations. She was a Senior Advisor to the U.S. Surgeon General and also held the position of National Director of Clinician Wellbeing in the Veterans Affairs department, showcasing her extensive experience in healthcare policy.
Dr. Shah’s campaign garnered significant financial support right from the start, raising approximately $260,000 on its first day. This notable fundraising success is indicative of her strong community ties and the growing interest in her candidacy. The district where she aims to secure a seat has approximately 20,000 more registered Republicans than Democrats, making it one of the most competitive congressional districts in the nation.
She particularly criticized Representative Kean for his voting record against Medicaid and his stance on healthcare accessibility, positioning herself as a candidate focused on reforming healthcare policies. Drawing on her medical expertise, Dr. Shah aims to influence healthcare legislation that directly impacts the constituents of the 7th District.
Dr. Shah gained national attention following her endorsement by Davids, who she worked alongside as White House Fellows during the Obama administration. Their shared experiences have forged a strong bond, and Davids’ support is expected to amplify Shah’s visibility among Democratic voters in New Jersey.
The 7th Congressional District is seen as pivotal for both parties in the upcoming election cycle, especially since former Representative Tom Malinowski, who lost to Kean in the 2022 election, decided not to seek a rematch. With mounting interest within the party and a commitment to addressing critical issues in healthcare, Dr. Shah is positioning herself as a leading contender for the Democratic nomination.
An emerging factor in this race is the support from the Indian-American community, a demographic that Dr. Shah’s campaign resonates with, particularly through the combined circulation of prominent Indian-American publications. Her experience and commitment to healthcare are poised to play a significant role in her campaign as she navigates through the Republican-leaning district.
With primary elections looming, Dr. Shah is focused on mobilizing her support base to challenge the status quo and push for meaningful change in Congress. The race for New Jersey’s 7th Congressional District promises to be highly competitive as elections approach.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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 CLEVELAND WRITER
CLEVELAND STAFF WRITER The CLEVELAND STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECleveland.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Cleveland, Cuyahoga 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 the Cleveland International Film Festival, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, and the Cleveland Air Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Cleveland Partnership and Destination Cleveland, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare that power the local economy such as Cleveland Clinic and Sherwin-Williams. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Ohio's dynamic landscape.
