Reps. Sean Casten, Elaine Luria, Kim Schrier, and Lauren Underwood Were Supported by 314 Action Fund in 2018 and 2020
March 11, 2021
PHILADELPHIA — Today, 314 Action Fund announced its endorsement of four scientists and competitive-district U.S. House candidates ahead of their re-election races in 2022. Each of these scientists was supported by 314 Action Fund during their first-time candidacies in 2018 and during their first re-elections this past campaign cycle.
Each of these candidates – Congressman Sean Casten (IL-06), Congresswoman Elaine Luria (VA-02), Congresswoman Kim Schrier (WA-08), and Congresswoman Lauren Underwood (IL-14) – has stood up for science, facts, and evidence-based policies during their time in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Congressmembers Casten, Luria, Schrier, and Underwood will remain 314 Action Fund’s top priorities for re-election in 2022. Our organization will pledge assistance to these incumbents’ campaigns in the form of fundraising, digital, communications, and other campaign services or logistical support. 314 Action Fund’s independent expenditure arm spent over $11.5 million during the 2020 cycle.
“From fighting to ensure a science-first response to the coronavirus pandemic to voting to uphold the Paris Climate Agreement, these U.S. House members have been remarkable in their advocacy for evidence-based policymaking,” said Shaughnessy Naughton, President of 314 Action. “In 2018, we were proud to help elect these scientists to the U.S. House for the first time. We look forward to helping them continue their important work to combat the climate crisis and other pressing science issues of our time.”
“I am honored to be endorsed by 314 Action Fund, which works to put more scientists into elected office,” said Congressman Sean Casten. “Whether it’s solving our climate crisis, lowering the cost of healthcare, or safely reopening our economy, science & data need to be at the core of our public policy. As a biochemical engineer and former CEO, that’s what I’ve been focused on in Congress and why I am so grateful to have 314 Action Fund in this fight with me.”
“As a U.S. Navy veteran and nuclear engineer, I know that in Coastal Virginia, our health, our livelihood, and our military readiness depend on evidence-based solutions,” said Congresswoman Elaine Luria. “I am proud to sponsor and support legislation that protects the environment for future generations. Thank you to 314 Action for the continued support in this endeavor.”
“As a doctor and a scientist, I am grateful for the support of 314 Action,” said Congresswoman Kim Schrier. “It is critical to have scientists at the table as Congress responds to the COVID-19 pandemic, and for all the challenges that lay ahead, from making healthcare more accessible and affordable to protecting our planet from climate change.”
“I am proud to be endorsed by 314 Action Fund. As a public health nurse, science has always been foundational to my work as a policy maker and legislator,” said Congresswoman Lauren Underwood. “We need more people with STEM backgrounds in public office to take on the urgent fight to address climate change, economic relief and recovery. I’m grateful to have 314 Action’s support as I continue this fight in Congress.”
In 2022, 314 Action Fund will aim to spend $50 million to elect scientists across all levels of government, with initial targets of seven U.S. Senate races, thirty-nine U.S. House races, and twenty-one statewide races. In 2020, the organization spent $25 million on behalf of its endorsed candidates and raised a total of $5 million in grassroots donations for scientists running for office.
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314 Action Fund is powered by a grassroots community of nearly six million people working to elect scientists, doctors, and STEM professionals who will use science and facts to address our most pressing issues like climate change and health care. In 2018 and 2020, we played a pivotal role in flipping the U.S. Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives, electing eleven Democratic scientists to federal office, as well as over 100 to key legislative districts. In 2021 and 2022, 314 Action Fund will continue working to elect science leaders and defeat climate deniers in Congress and legislatures across the country.