US midterms 2026: Meet Amish Shah, the doctor seeking a second shot at Congress

Amish Shah, an emergency-room physician and former Arizona state legislator, is seeking a seat in the US House of Representatives for a second time, placing health-care costs, household affordability and access to federal benefits at the centre of his campaign.The Democrat is contesting Arizona's 1st Congressional District against Republican Jay Feely, a former NFL kicker and sports broadcaster endorsed by President Donald Trump. The November 3, 2026, election follows Republican incumbent David Schweikert's decision to run for governor instead of seeking re-election.Born and raised in Chicago, Shah is the son of Indian immigrants. He graduated from Northwestern University with degrees in economics and medicine, earned a Master of Public Health from the University of California, Berkeley, and completed emergency-medicine training in New York. He later worked as a physician and medical educator before entering politics.Shah served in the Arizona House of Representatives from 2019 to 2024, winning three consecutive elections. He focused on public health, education, small businesses and public safety. In 2024, he contested the congressional seat but lost to Schweikert in a closely fought election.He secured the Democratic nomination in July 2026 after defeating several challengers, including Marlene Galán-Woods, who had received backing from the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee.Shah's campaign promises to lower prescription-drug costs, protect Medicare and Social Security, defend abortion rights and address rising household expenses. He has also highlighted Arizona's water security, criticised Trump's tariffs and pledged to oppose data-centre projects over concerns about their water consumption.His medical background could help him appeal to voters concerned about health-care affordability. However, he faces a Republican registration advantage in the district and a high-profile opponent backed by Trump. The contest could prove significant in determining control of the House of Representatives.You use AI every day. Now get your AI Quotient. Take the AIQ test.