Former CDC Director Nirav Shah exits Maine Democratic Senate primary

Maine’s former Centers for Disease Control and Prevention director Nirav Shah announced on Sunday that he is withdrawing from the Democratic primary for the U.S. Senate, a day after addressing party delegates in Augusta. Shah entered the race in early March, positioning himself as a challenger to incumbent Republican Senator Susan Collins, who is seeking a sixth term in the closely watched New England seat.

In a brief statement, Shah said he could no longer continue his campaign, noting, “A few weeks ago, I entered this race because I could not accept the idea of Susan Collins gliding to a sixth term at the very moment Maine families …” He did not elaborate further on the specific reasons for his exit. Shah’s departure leaves the Democratic field without a high‑profile candidate and may reshape the dynamics of the upcoming general election, where Collins remains the leading Republican contender.