Nation’s Premier Pro-Science Political Organization Was First National Organization to Endorse Stansbury, Raised $25,000 for Science Professional’s Campaign

June 1, 2021

PHILADELPHIA — Today, 314 Action Fund congratulated Congresswoman-elect Melanie Stansbury on her victory in the race to succeed U.S. Interior Secretary Deb Haaland and represent New Mexico’s first congressional district.

On March 3rd, 314 Action Fund became the first national organization to endorse Congresswoman-elect Stansbury in this critical race to fortify House Democrats’ pro-science majority. In the lead-up to today’s election, 314 Action Fund helped raise $25,000 for Congresswoman-elect Stansbury’s campaign. With her victory today, Congresswoman-elect Stansbury is the ninth science candidate 314 Action Fund has helped elect to the U.S. House of Representatives.

314 Action President Shaughnessy Naughton released the following statement:

“Today, science and the future of progressive environmental policy were on the ballot in New Mexico, and voters saw right through the anti-reality and anti-science disinformation campaign run by the GOP and its Trump loyalists. We are proud to congratulate Congresswoman-elect Melanie Stansbury on her victory and are eager for her leadership on the most pressing science issues of our time. From crafting additional pandemic recovery legislation to combating climate change through bold, fact-based policies, it’s clear that Melanie will always put New Mexicans first.”

From working as a science educator at the New Mexico Museum of Natural History to conducting research and working on science policy and environmental issues at the federal and state levels, Congresswoman-elect Stansbury has spent her career advocating for a more just and sustainable future. A native New Mexican, Congresswoman-elect Stansbury worked in the U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources and the Office of Management and Budget. Congresswoman-elect Stansbury has put her STEM background to work for New Mexicans to tackle complex systemic issues such as climate and drought as well as hunger and food infrastructure.

In 2018, Congresswoman-elect Stansbury was among 314 Action Fund’s first class of scientists elected to public office and part of the organization’s effort to build a strong bench of science candidates who may seek statewide or federal office in the future. That year, Congresswoman-elect Stansbury was supported by 314 Action Fund in her successful run for the New Mexico House of Representatives. Since taking office, she has passed fourteen pieces of legislation addressing a wide range of issues, including the modernization of New Mexico’s electrical grid, fostering resilience in the state’s food and water systems, and improving access to health care.

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, forty 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 over 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. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate, electing eleven Democratic scientists to federal office, as well as over 100 to state and local offices. 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.