Indian American Dr. Amish Shah Wins Democratic Primary for Arizona's 1st Congressional District

August 3 :
Arizona's 1st Congressional District Democratic primary winner was Indian American physician Amish Shah. Shah, 47, won when Andrei Cherny, his major opponent, conceded on Aug.1. Shah, a former state representative, led Cherny by 1,629 votes and 23.9 percent to 21.4 percent when Cherny conceded. Former local news journalist Marlene Galan-Woods, orthodontist Andrew Horne, ex-regional American Red Cross CEO Kurt Kroemer, and investment banker Conor O'Callaghan competed for his win.

Shah wrote on Twitter, "I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for your support." Our campaigns have always been grassroots, positive, substantive. We engage voters directly to develop a community and hope to make a difference in our constituents' lives.”He thanked his opponents, saying, “I want to extend my gratitude to Andrei Cherny, Marlene Galan-Woods, Conor O’Callaghan, Andrew Horne, and Kurt Kroemer, all of whom recently contacted me to offer their support. Running for office is a sacrifice, and they campaigned hard. November triumph excites us all.”

Shah will challenge Republican incumbent David Schweikert in November. Schweikert, in his seventh term, easily won his July 30 primary.
Northeastern Phoenix is part of the competitive district. Schweikert beat Democrat Jevin Hodge by 0.15% in 2022. Shah, a 20-year emergency department physician, represents Central Phoenix, Sunnyslope, and South Scottsdale in the Arizona House since 2019. Shah started the Arizona Vegetarian Food Festival to promote healthy eating and disease prevention outside of medicine. Many voters relate to Shah's history and public service. His parents moved from India in the 1960s and raised him in Chicago. His victory sets up a high-stakes November campaign in which both parties view the seat as crucial.