Former Public School Science Teacher Running to Succeed Congressman Ron Wright

April 6, 2021

PHILADELPHIA — Today, 314 Action Fund endorsed Shawn Lassiter in the race to succeed Congressman Ron Wright and represent Texas’ sixth congressional district.

A first-generation college student, Shawn earned a biology degree from Alabama State University. Following in the footsteps of her mother, a special education aide, Shawn dedicated her life to education, first as a public school science teacher, then as a part of Fort Worth Independent School District’s equity and excellence department and as an administrator. For over two years, Shawn has worked with Leadership ISD, a non-profit focused on racial equity in education.

“I am proud to have the support of 314 Action,” said Shawn Lassiter, candidate for Texas’ sixth congressional district. “I grew up behind a paper mill and have seen the devastation of environmental injustice, and I became a science teacher and an education leader to empower communities to fight for economic and environmental justice. In Congress, I’ll fight for science-based policies that bring equity and prosperity to our communities, from getting shots in arms, to reopening our schools, to tackling the climate crisis by investing in good-paying jobs that will grow the economy in North Texas.”

“Throughout her career, Shawn Lassiter has consistently called out and fought to solve inequities in the institutions that Texans count on for education, health care, and career opportunities,” said Shaughnessy Naughton, President of 314 Action. “Shawn has been a committed advocate for science in public schools and in the policymaking process. She will be an incredible champion of evidence-based policies as the newest member of Texas’ congressional delegation.”

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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.