PHOENIX — In a 2019 town hall for then-presidential candidate Bernie Sanders, the Democratic nominee in a tight Arizona House race supported government-run universal health care, according to an archived video clip. At a May 2019 event organised by the Phoenix Democratic Socialists of America and the Progressive Democrats of America, Amish Shah criticised the free market-based system. Shah, a physician, stated, “No other industrialised country offers health care through a free market because it’s not really a system. To address the issue, we need universal, single-payer Medicare for All across the nation.” This plan would eliminate private health insurance in the United States.
When contacted by The Post, Shah did not directly confirm if he still holds the same view. He commented, “As a physician with over 20 years of experience, I understand that every healthcare system has its pros and cons. These are real people’s lives, and the patients and voters I’ve spoken to dislike using this topic for political attacks. Ultimately, ensuring access to affordable healthcare is what matters.”
In the state’s Democratic primary in July, Shah told the Arizona Republic that he still supports universal health care but believes other payer options should also be considered, not just the single-payer model he advocated in 2019. Shah emerged victorious in the 1st Congressional District primary on 30th July with 23.5% of the vote, defeating five other Democrats.
Dr. Amish Shah has legislative experience & a proven track record.
He will continue to defend our democracy, protect abortion access, and improve medical care for all Arizonans in Congress!
Vote for Amish Shah, #AZ01& vote Dems ⬆️&⬇️ the ballot!
Vote early!#BlueWaveRising pic.twitter.com/rgyQX1GXuZ— Jane (@JaneVoter2018) September 17, 2024
Shah, a former state representative, is running against incumbent Republican Rep. David Schweikert for the competitive seat. The Cook Political Report labels the race a toss-up, with the GOP having a slight edge (R+2) in its Partisan Voting Index. Republicans argue that the video closely associates Shah with Sanders. National Republican Congressional Committee spokesman Ben Petersen remarked, “Amish Shah has been exposed endorsing Bernie Sanders at a Phoenix Socialists event. Arizonans will reject this Bernie Bro intent on implementing his radical socialist agenda.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Who is the Democratic nominee in the close Arizona House race?
What healthcare stance did Amish Shah support in 2019?
Universal, single-payer Medicare for All.
Does Amish Shah still support universal health care?
Yes, but he is open to options other than single-payer.
Who is Amish Shah running against in the Arizona House race?
Incumbent Republican Rep. David Schweikert.
How does Cook Political Report rank the Arizona House race?
A toss-up with a slight edge for the GOP.