Shah gains backing of four Democratic House members from outside N.J.

Four out-of-state House members have endorsed Democrat Tina Shah for Congress in New Jersey’s 7th district, a move that offers few votes in the primary election but unlocks some fundraising opportunities for the physician-turned-politician who wants to take on two-term Rep. Tom Kean, Jr. (R-Westfield).

The five Members of Congress — Kim Schrier (D-Washington), Eric Sorenson (D-Illinois), Marilyn Strickland (D-Washington), and Suhas Subramanyam (D-Virginia) – all touted Shah’s experience as a health care policy maker and ICU doctor in announcing support for Shah.

“As a fellow physician, I know she understands the healthcare crisis we are facing – and will bring real-world tested solutions to lower costs and make it easier for every New Jerseyan and American to get quality healthcare,” said Schrier, a pediatrician who flipped an open Republican House seat in 2018.

Strickland is the chair of ASPIRE PAC, the political operation of the Asian American and Pacific Islander members of Congress.  The PAC has already endorsed Shah.

“As a physician serving her community for years, Tina knows how important our fight for affordable and accessible healthcare is – and she knows how to deliver it. We were both raised in immigrant families and have fulfilled the American Dream,” stated Strickland.  “She is the fighter we need in Congress to restore our Democracy and the American dream.”

A triple board-certified physician and chief medical officer for an AI company, Shah served in the administrations of Presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden.

The 7th district is considered one of the most competitive in the nation.  Trump carried NJ-7 by one point in 2024, but Biden won it by four points in 2020, and Mikie Sherrill carried it by two points in last year’s governor’s race.

Kean, a former minority leader of the New Jersey State Senate and son of a popular former two-term governor, flipped the seat in 2022 when he unseated two-term Rep. Tom Malinowski (D-Ringoes) by three points.

Shah faces former U.S. Navy helicopter pilot Mikie Sherrill, former Biden administration official Michael Roth, and businessman Brian Varela in the June Democratic primary.  The New Jersey Globe/Rider University 7th District Democratic Congressional Debate is scheduled for Tuesday, May 12 at 7 PM.