Gujarati-Speaking Physician Amish Shah Wins Democratic Primary in Arizona

Washington–Emergency physician and former state legislator Amish Shah has won the Democratic nomination for Arizona’s 1st Congressional District, setting up a closely watched November contest in one of the country’s most competitive House races.

Shah described the result as “a grassroots victory” and said he would seek support from voters across the political spectrum during the general election campaign.

“I have always prided myself on being a hardworking, grassroots candidate. Our victory in this primary was a grassroots victory where Arizona voters made their voices heard,” Shah said.

“Now, it’s my job to earn the support of every voter in this district — including Democrats who voted for another candidate, Independents frustrated with our political system, and Republicans disappointed with the state of the country.”

Shah criticized Washington’s political establishment, arguing that Congress had failed to address the concerns of ordinary Americans.

“The status quo in Washington, DC is not working for Arizonans. From rising costs to a reckless war in Iran to the largest cuts to our nation’s healthcare system in American history, corrupt and self-interested politicians in Congress are making life harder for people, not easier,” he said.

“We need leaders in Congress who are focused on the needs of the people they represent instead of picking partisan fights and lining their own pockets.”

Shah said his experience in medicine and public office had prepared him to serve in Congress.

“I’ve spent my career serving the people of this district in both the ER and the State House, and I look forward to winning in November and serving them in Congress,” he said.

Shah previously served in the Arizona House of Representatives, winning elections in 2018, 2020 and 2022. During five years in the Legislature, he focused on increasing teacher pay, supporting small businesses and improving public health and safety.

His campaign says he worked with members of both parties and had more bills signed into law than any other Arizona Democrat during the past decade.

Shah’s congressional platform includes lowering costs for families, improving access to health care, reducing prescription drug prices, banning members of Congress from trading stocks and protecting Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid. He has also pledged to defend abortion and voting rights.

As an emergency room physician, Shah has advocated for lower health care costs and measures to reduce the price of medications, including insulin.

Shah previously represented parts of the 1st Congressional District in Maricopa County. His campaign has portrayed him as an independent-minded candidate with a record of working across party lines.

The district is considered one of the Democratic Party’s strongest opportunities to gain a Republican-held House seat and is expected to attract national attention because of its potential importance in the battle for control of Congress.

Shah will face Republican nominee Jay Feely, a former National Football League kicker who has received the backing of President Donald Trump.

Shah is fluent in Gujarati and speaks conversational Spanish. Outside politics and medicine, he enjoys basketball, flying small aircraft and adventure travel. (Source: IANS)