Sen. Vargas Jumps Ahead by 8% Following the Introduction of Candidates’ Balanced Biographical Information

March 31, 2022

PHILADELPHIA — Today, 314 Action Fund released the results of new polling that shows State Senator leading Congressman Don Bacon in a hypothetical general election matchup in the race for Nebraska’s second congressional district. Sen. Vargas is a former science teacher who has served in the state legislature since 2017 and was previously a member of the Omaha Public Schools Board. In 2020, NE-02 was one of the only congressional districts won by a Republican that voted for President Joe Biden at the top of the ticket, making the district a top target for Democrats in the 2022 midterms.

The poll, which was conducted by Change Research on behalf of 314 Action Fund and polled general election voters across the district, shows Sen. Tony Vargas leading incumbent Rep. Don Bacon by 1% in a hypothetical head-to-head matchup, and that lead rises to 8% after the introduction of candidates’ balanced biographical information. Additionally, Sen. Vargas leads Rep. Bacon by 24% in net favorability, and science teachers hold a 55% net favorability rating from poll respondents. The margin of error of this poll is +/- 4.5%, and the toplines can be viewed here.

“As a former science teacher and now as a legislator, Senator Tony Vargas has proven his dedication to public service on behalf of Nebraska families, who this poll shows trust Tony to put their interests first,” said Shaughnessy Naughton, president of 314 Action. “We look forward to standing with Tony in the fight to flip this district and deliver on pro-science policies for Nebraskans.”

On Pi Day 2022 (3/14), 314 Action launched its new statewide program to revolutionize the recruitment and training of STEM candidates for public office across the country. The program, which targets potential state legislative and municipal candidates using layered digital, mail, and SMS communications in critical legislative districts, is now active in its first phase in New Hampshire and will yield data that will contribute to the development of expanded programming in other states in future campaign cycles.

Last year, 314 Action began a $10 million, cycle-long advocacy campaign focused on engaging voters on critical science issues — including climate change, health care, and the pandemic response — and holding anti-science public figures accountable. Additionally, 314 Action has engaged its base of six million grassroots members to push for pro-science legislation at the federal and state levels.

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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 in helping over 100 statewide, state legislative, and municipal candidates win their races. In 2022, 314 Action Fund will continue working to elect science leaders and defeat climate deniers in Congress and legislatures across the country.