In a statement released on July 9, Dr. Nirav Shah, former Director of the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention, announced his campaign ‘Defeat Susan Collins Town Hall Tour’ — a series of town halls across the state.

“Today I am excited to announce my candidacy for the United States Senate to defeat Susan Collins. For too long, Susan Collins has upheld a corrupt system that hurts Mainers, he added.

Shah emphasized that supporters of the movement behind former Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner have a place in his campaign. “This campaign represents the Maine values we all care about: building a state and country where everyone can get ahead, not just the privileged few, respecting and loving our neighbors, and holding Donald Trump and Susan Collins accountable.”

Shah stated that establishment politicians have failed voters and that Maine deserved a fighter in this seat. “I will be that fighter,” he said.

Shah reiterated his support for Medicare for All “because nobody in the wealthiest country on earth should go bankrupt over a medical bill.” He also stated that he supports efforts to ensure billionaires and the largest corporations finally pay their fair share of taxes. On immigration, Shah said he would work to rein in ICE, end the targeting of immigrants, and fight to end reckless foreign wars.

Shah pointed out that in her thirty years in Washington, Susan Collins’ voting record had contributed “95 percent of the time” to policies that resulted in “skyrocketing costs, runaway corruption, and a government that is only interested in enriching itself. The longer she stays, the less Maine families have to show for it.”

He also stated that Collins’ support for the appointment of Justice Brett Kavanaugh resulted in the overturning of Roe v. Wade, which devastated women across the country.

“After three decades, this state deserves a senator who fights for it rather than one who keeps finding new ways to explain why she could not.

This race is about everyday Mainers, he added. “I’ve shown up and fought for you before, and I am ready to do it again as your next United States Senator.”

By state law, the Maine Democratic Party has the option to replace Platner on the ballot until a July 27 deadline.