Nirav Shah Secures Endorsement from Former MEMA Director Art Cleaves in Maine Governor’s Race

Dr. Nirav Shah, a candidate for governor of Maine, has announced the endorsement of Art Cleaves, a veteran emergency management leader in the state.

According to a statement from Shah’s campaign, Cleaves commended Dr. Shah’s “steady leadership, decision-making under pressure, and deep commitment” to protecting the people of Maine.

Cleaves previously served as Director of the Maine Emergency Management Agency and as Regional Administrator for New England at FEMA. Over the course of his career, he has played a key role in helping the state prepare for and respond to a range of emergencies.

“Throughout my career in emergency management, I’ve seen what real leadership looks like in a crisis, and what happens when it’s missing,” said Cleaves. “Dr. Nirav Shah has proven he can lead when it matters most. During COVID-19, he communicated clearly, worked across agencies, and earned the trust of people across Maine. That’s exactly the kind of leadership we need as governor, someone who is prepared, steady, and focused on protecting people, not politics.”

The endorsement highlights Dr. Shah’s tenure as Director of the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention, during which he led the state’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Under his leadership, Maine recorded one of the highest vaccination rates in the United States and among the lowest age-adjusted COVID-19 death rates.

“Art Cleaves is a legend in Maine for a reason,” said Dr. Shah. “He has spent his life helping communities prepare for the worst and recover stronger. I’m incredibly honored to have his support. He understands what this job requires, not just in moments of crisis, but in the work we do every day to keep people safe, strengthen our systems, and build a more resilient Maine.”

According to the campaign, Dr. Shah has pledged to apply a similar approach to governance if elected, with an emphasis on preparedness, coordination, and public trust, while strengthening the state’s capacity to respond to emergencies, including severe weather events and public health threats.