Nirav Shah Announces Run for Maine Governor

With the 2026 elections just over a year away, the race for the Blaine House has gained another key name.

The 2026 Maine gubernatorial election will be held on November 3rd, 2026, to choose the state’s 76th governor. Current Democratic governor Janet Mills, first elected in 2018 and reelected in 2022, is term-limited and instead running for the U.S. Senate.

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On Monday, October 20th, 2025, former Maine CDC head Dr. Nirav Shah officially announced that he’s running for governor of Maine as a Democrat.

Shah became one of the state’s most recognizable figures during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic and is now stepping into the political spotlight.

The primary elections in Maine are set for June 9th, 2026.

Other Democrats in the race include Secretary of State Shenna Bellows, Angus King III, Jason Cherry, Kenneth Pinet, former Senate President Troy Jackson, and Hannah Pingree, the daughter of Congresswoman Chellie Pingree.

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And there you have it! Former director of the Maine CDC, Nirav Shah, has officially announced his bid for governor.

What are your thoughts on the field of gubernatorial candidates? We’d love to hear from you! Feel free to join the conversation by messaging us on the app.

Teachers in These Maine School Districts Earn the Most Money

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20 Must-Try Eateries in Central and Northern Maine Worth the Drive

Thanks to our great listeners we were able to compile a list of many of Maine's great restaurants, cafes, pubs and bakeries that are worth a long drive to get to.

These great spots can be found across Central and Northen Maine.

How many have you been to?

Gallery Credit: Chris Sedenka