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NEW POLL: State Senator Tony Vargas Leads Don Bacon in Hypothetical NE-02 Matchup

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.

Nation’s Premier Pro-Science Political Organization Has Endorsed Sixty-Eight Statewide, State Legislative, and Municipal Candidates for 2022 So Far

March 31, 2022

PHILADELPHIA — Today, 314 Action Fund announced its endorsement of Delaware State Treasurer Colleen Davis as she runs for re-election. A former physician assistant, State Treasurer Davis was first elected in 2018 and has since used her STEM background to advocate for fact-first policies that ensure the financial security of the state of Delaware. Five years on from its first candidate training on March 14, 2017 (Pi Day), 314 Action is proud to celebrate over 200 victories for candidates at the statewide, state legislative, and municipal levels. 314 Action Fund has endorsed sixty-eight STEM candidates for statewide, state legislative, and municipal offices so far for the 2022 cycle.

“Delaware State Treasurer Colleen Davis is a STEM trailblazer who serves as a role model for scientists considering getting off the sidelines and into the fight for evidence-based policies,” said Shaughnessy Naughton, president of 314 Action. “Since her election, Colleen has stayed committed to making sure the state’s financial planning addresses the needs of Delawareans through data-driven policies. We are proud to stand with her as she campaigns for re-election.” 

“The analytical thinking I needed as a Physician Assistant, and the business knowledge required as a consultant to medical institutions are the same skills I use today,” said Delaware State Treasurer Colleen Davis. “I’m honored to receive the endorsement of 314 Action which understands the importance of detailed, systematic, and conclusive reasoning in both service and science.”

314 Action Fund is committed to building a bench of strong STEM candidates at the statewide, state legislative, and municipal levels who may pursue higher office in the future. In 2020, 314 Action Fund committed $1 million to elect scientists running for state legislative offices across the country in a partnership with the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee and Democratic legislative caucuses.

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.

ABOUT STATE TREASURER COLLEEN DAVIS:

Treasurer Colleen Davis has earned a reputation as a principled innovative and practical servant, focused on some of the most important issues confronting Delaware; economy, fiscal policy and wellbeing. Her commitment to making a difference for everyday Delawareans has earned Colleen praise from Delaware Business Times, Del-One Federal Credit Union, AARP which recently proclaimed that Colleen is a leader in finding “win-win solutions” to emerging fiscal challenges.

Serving on the Board of Pardons, Cash Management Policy Board, State Employee Benefits Committee, Delaware Volunteer Fire Council Fund Committee, Agricultural Land Preservation Board, Plans Management Board, Government Efficiency and Accountability Board and Delaware Economic and Financial Advisory Council Colleen is uniquely positioned to help nurture economic innovation and make Delaware more competitive in the global market.

​In 2021, Treasurer Davis developed and proposed a plan to secure dignity in retirement for all Delaware workers, called Delaware EARNS. She has supported workers alongside her fellow Treasurers signing on to a letter to executives across several industries to reform and redesign the workspace for improved COVID-19 protections. Colleen has sent thousands of payments to unemployed workers during the tragic pandemic hardships that came unexpectedly to so many households in Delaware.

​As a consultant for major hospital systems, she understands what it takes to develop sustainability amid an ever-changing economic landscape. Colleen gained an understanding of the complexities of creating economic growth on a large scale, realizing efficiencies, improving quality-of-care, and increasing viability – all while never losing focus on meeting the needs of the public.

​Colleen understands personal risk as she has volunteered on a variety of local, national and international service trips, most recently in 2015. After Nepal was struck by a 7.8 magnitude earthquake in April 2015, she went as a Physician Assistant to help people affected near Kathmandu. She was also seen on the frontlines at food distribution sites during the pandemic with a strong desire to meet so many basic and unmet needs.

Colleen’s personal background and professional experience has allowed her to uniquely understand the challenges faced by people and stakeholders of all backgrounds. As Treasurer, she has cultivated honest, trusting relationships that allow her to serve as a conduit between Delawareans and policy makers to ensure our financial planning puts people first.

Because Delawareans deserve a budget and economy that are strong long-term, but also protect the taxpayer and prioritize the interests of Main Street over Wall Street. That’s what Colleen has fought for during her several years in office and Delaware needs her now more than ever.

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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 statewide, state legislative, and municipal 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.

Nation’s Premier Pro-Science Political Organization Has Endorsed Sixty State Legislative and Municipal Candidates in 2022 So Far

March 16, 2022

PHILADELPHIA — Today, 314 Action Fund announced its endorsement of thirty-nine STEM candidates in state legislative and municipal races across the United States. From state senate to water district board of directors, these scientists and STEM professionals are running for office to advance evidence-based, pro-science policies in their communities. Five years on from its first candidate training on March 14, 2017 (Pi Day), 314 Action is proud to celebrate 229 victories for STEM candidates, including 198 victories for candidates at the state legislative and municipal levels. 314 Action Fund has endorsed sixty STEM candidates for state legislative and municipal offices so far for the 2022 cycle.

Among today’s endorsed candidates are Jennifer Esteen (California State Assembly District 20), a nurse and health care policy organizer who pursued her calling to help others by putting herself through nursing school as a single parent; Gwen Stoltz (Pennsylvania House of Representatives District 143), a research biochemist who has worked in novel drug discovery and for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; and Sen. Erin Murphy (Minnesota State Senate District 64), a registered nurse and sitting state senator who formerly served as the majority leader of the Minnesota House of Representatives.

“As 314 Action celebrates five years of recruiting and assisting STEM candidates, including nearly 200 victories for state legislative and municipal candidates, we are proud to endorse this incredible slate of pro-science leaders running to advance evidence-based policies,” said Shaughnessy Naughton, president of 314 Action. “From criminal justice reform to the climate crisis, every policy challenge would be better addressed by having more scientists at the policymaking table making data-driven decisions. These candidates are running fact-first campaigns that put people above politics, and we look forward to fighting alongside them to pass more policies that are rooted in science.”

Today’s new slate of endorsements for state legislative and municipal races is as follows:

California

Georgia

Iowa

Michigan

Minnesota

Montana

New Hampshire

New York

Pennsylvania

Texas

314 Action Fund is committed to building a bench of strong STEM candidates at the statewide, state legislative, and municipal levels who may pursue higher office in the future. In 2020, 314 Action Fund committed $1 million to elect scientists running for state legislative offices across the country in a partnership with the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee and Democratic legislative caucuses.

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.

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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.

Pilot Program in New Hampshire Will Inform Recruitment and Training Model for Future State Programs

March 14, 2022

PHILADELPHIA — Today, 314 Action is proud to announce its new statewide program to revolutionize the way STEM candidates are recruited and trained to run for public office across the country. One of the pillars of 314 Action’s mission is to increase representation among STEM fields in public offices at all levels of government, and this pilot program is the latest initiative to bridge the gap between traditionally more common officeholders such as attorneys or public administrators and those in the STEM fields. 

The program, which will specifically target potential state legislative and municipal candidates, will launch in its first phase this year in New Hampshire and use findings to develop the template for expanded programming in other states in future campaign cycles.

In partnership with 603 Forward, 314 Action will aim to help drive a candidate recruitment strategy that targets geographic areas identified as critical to flipping state legislative chambers to pro-science majorities.

“Over the course of this pandemic, it’s become even clearer that we need scientists and STEM professionals not just as advisors who can be ignored, but as lawmakers with the power to make important, pro-science policy decisions,” said Shaughnessy Naughton, president of 314 Action. “Every legislature in the United States stands to benefit from adding more scientists to their ranks. 314 Action is proud to continue its work towards that goal in New Hampshire by building a pipeline for candidate recruitment that will shape the next generation of STEM leaders.”

“Winning back the NH House majority means pushing back against anti-science extremism,” said Rep. Matt Wilhelm, chair of the NH House Democratic Victory Campaign Committee. “We are committed to electing more STEM candidates across the Granite State, which is why our Victory Committee is thrilled to partner with 314 Action this cycle.”

“If we’re going to tackle the generational crisis facing young people and families in New Hampshire — we must do everything we can to make sure young people have a voice in government at all levels,” said Molly Lunn Owen, executive director of 603 Forward. “Following the incredible victories we’ve seen in the past year with almost 100 new young leaders elected to city and town office, I’m excited for 603 Forward’s partnership with 314 Action to build up young leaders who can bring their diverse backgrounds and professional STEM experiences to the important work that needs to be done in the State House to build an inclusive, affordable, and resilient New Hampshire. Our work in state, on the ground, is going to be amplified and taken to the next level thanks to the innovative tools and techniques the 314 team brings to the table.”

As part of this program’s first phase in New Hampshire, efforts to recruit and train STEM candidates — and gather data to inform future programming — will be broken into three areas with specific goals:

Create a Targetable Universe of STEM Democrats

Find and Assist Potential STEM State Legislative Candidates

Use Findings to Build a Scalable Template for Future Programs

As part of this program’s layered communications program, 314 Action is launching new digital ads today to encourage scientists and STEM professionals in New Hampshire to run for state legislative or municipal office.

LINK: “Standing With You”
LINK: “Crisis”
LINK: “Messy”

314 Action recently launched 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 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 will continue working to elect science leaders and defeat climate deniers in Congress and legislatures across the country.

Five Years After Its First Candidate Training, Nation’s Premier Pro-Science Political Organization Has Raised $43 Million and Helped Win 229 Pro-Science Campaigns

March 14, 2022

PHILADELPHIA — Today, 314 Action kicked off a week-long celebration of the organization’s meteoric rise since its first STEM candidate training on March 14, 2017. Founded by chemist and former congressional candidate Shaughnessy Naughton, 314 Action has since established itself as a reliable partner to candidates and allied organizations, building a membership of more than six million grassroots activists and helping spark an unprecedented wave of STEM candidates running and winning races for public offices up and down the ballot. 

The celebration will align with the week of Pi Day (March 14th) and include digital, advocacy, and social media campaigns to amplify the impact of the organization’s supporters on the mission to elect scientists and the organization’s track record of success at electing STEM leaders to all levels of government.

“I founded 314 Action because scientists and STEM professionals deserve to have a voice in shaping the policies that shape our society,” said Shaughnessy Naughton, president of 314 Action. “From fighting the climate crisis to addressing inequities in our health care system, more scientists in office means more evidence-based policies that put people above politics. The movement to elect scientists has never been stronger, and we are eager to help even more incredible STEM candidates run for office and win.”

Since the inception of 314 Action, named after the first three digits of pi, the organization has used numbers to tell its story, and to mark this milestone anniversary the organization is highlighting its achievements:

Campaign Milestones

Development Milestones

In just five years since 314 Action’s first candidate training, the organization has grown its grassroots membership base to the more than six million supporters it has today and established itself as a powerhouse in progressive fundraising with an average donation of $32.

The support from voters committed to building a more pro-science future, and the opportunities that support has allowed 314 Action in engaging with voters on STEM policy issues, have been overwhelming. It has not just resulted in more talk — it has resulted in critical action in the fight to elect scientists across the United States. In 2018, we elected eight new STEM leaders to the U.S. House of Representatives, helping flip the chamber to a pro-science majority. And in 2020, we helped elect Mark Kelly and John Hickenlooper to the U.S. Senate before helping Democrats finish flipping the chamber by supporting Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff in the Georgia runoff elections.

314 Action recently launched 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 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 will continue working to elect science leaders and defeat climate deniers in Congress and legislatures across the country.

March 9, 2022

PHILADELPHIA — Today, 314 Action Fund announced its endorsement of Eric Sorensen in the race to represent Illinois’ seventeenth congressional district. Sorensen is a former meteorologist for WREX Rockford and WQAD Quad Cities, which both serve communities in IL-17.

After redistricting, IL-17 has proven one of the most competitive congressional races ahead of the 2022 midterm elections. In late February, Cook Political Report and Sabato’s Crystal Ball rated the race a toss-up, and Inside Elections rated the race as tilting Democratic. A January poll, which was conducted by Public Policy Polling on behalf of 314 Action Fund, showed Sorensen leading the primary field and with leads in net favorability (+18%) and name recognition (+6%). The poll also shows widespread trust among IL-17 voters in a meteorologist to represent them in Congress and address the climate crisis, a top policy issue for poll respondents.

“For twenty years, Illinoisans welcomed Eric Sorensen into their home every evening as their meteorologist, a trusted member of their community,” said Shaughnessy Naughton, president of 314 Action. “The people of this district know they can rely on Eric to tackle challenges facing Illinois families, from the climate crisis and the need for sustainable jobs to ensuring that high-quality, affordable health care access is available to everyone.”

“To me, being a meteorologist has always been about protecting our communities and keeping people safe. I’m running for Congress because the people of Northwest and Central Illinois need a representative they know and trust,” said Eric Sorensen, candidate for Illinois’ seventeenth congressional district. “I’m honored to be endorsed by 314 Action, an organization dedicated to promoting science leadership.”

314 Action recently launched 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.

ABOUT ERIC SORENSEN:

Eric Sorensen is a former meteorologist born and raised in Rockford, IL running for U.S. Congress. He spent 11 years delivering the weather at WREX in Rockford and 7 years at WQAD in the Quad Cities. He’s seen firsthand the importance of establishing trust with the community, and he’s determined to use his expertise as a climate communicator to fight for Illinoisans on environmental justice and more in Washington.

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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.

PHILADELPHIA — Today, 314 Action Fund announced its endorsement of Dr. Asif Mahmood in the race to represent California’s fortieth congressional district. Dr. Mahmood has served as a leader in Southern California for over twenty years as a physician and as a nonprofit and philanthropy leader. In 2018, 314 Action Fund was proud to support Dr. Mahmood for California Insurance Commissioner in his first campaign for public office.

After redistricting, CA-40 has proven one of the most competitive seats for Democrats ahead of the 2022 midterm elections and a unique opportunity to unseat a Republican incumbent. The district’s race is rated at R+2 by the Cook Political Report as of late February.

“For more than two decades, Dr. Asif Mahmood has served as an exemplary community leader in Southern California who puts science and facts first,” said Shaughnessy Naughton, president of 314 Action. “Dr. Mahmood will ensure that the challenges facing Californian families are addressed in Congress, from access to affordable, high-quality health care to the harmful effects of offshore oil drilling.”

“I am honored to have the support of 314 Action,” said Dr. Asif Mahmood, candidate for California’s fortieth congressional district. “As a physician, I have worked with thousands of patients to overcome health challenges and lead richer lives. But in Congress, too many politicians are focused on scoring political points — not solving families’ problems. I’m running for Congress, because families in our district deserve a representative who will follow the facts — not the party line.”

314 Action recently launched 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.

ABOUT DR. ASIF MAHMOOD:

Dr. Asif Mahmood is a pulmonologist and doctor of internal medicine. He and his family have lived in Southern California since 1999.

Asif has based his life’s work on a single principle taught to him by his parents: that helping others is our highest calling.

He grew up thousands of miles and a world away,  in a small crowded home in a remote village in rural Pakistan.  After receiving his medical degree,  Asif moved to America, and later California, to practice medicine. 

Asif has treated thousands of patients in Southern California over the last twenty years: patients in the ER, critical care, inpatients, and as they leave the hospital.  Asif has made it a rule in his practice — if a patient doesn’t have insurance, his office won’t ask for payment.

He enters the race with 8 Congressional endorsements and 3 California statewide officeholders, as well as the endorsement of Irvine’s mayor. In 2018, Asif ran for insurance commissioner, raising more than $2.3 million for the race. He is in a strong position to take on Congresswoman Young Kim.

In addition to his work as a physician, Asif has been a leader in non-profit and philanthropic organizations across Southern California. He has played leading roles in philanthropic efforts for non-profit organizations like UNICEF and volunteers at a free clinic. He serves on the California Medical Board and on the board of the Valley Rescue Mission, the largest homeless shelter in Southern California. He is also the chair of the Organization for Social Media Safety that fights cyber-bullying and cyber-exploitation of children.

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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.

March 2, 2022

PHILADELPHIA — Today, 314 Action Fund congratulated five of its endorsed STEM candidates in Texas for winning their primary elections or advancing to their primary election runoffs in their Texas House of Representatives races. Madeline Eden (HD-17), Erin Zwiener (HD-45), Donna Howard (HD-48), and Jon Rosenthal (HD-135) won their primaries, and Dr. Suleman Lalani (HD-76) advanced to the primary runoff election on May 24th.

314 Action President Shaughnessy Naughton released the following statement:

“It’s critical that we elect strong STEM leaders to state legislatures across the country. With their success at the ballot box yesterday, these pro-science policy champions continue to lay out the path to victory for other STEM candidates. Voters want leaders who will address climate change and its impacts on Texas and who will stand up to ensure science is central to the policymaking process.”

In February, these Texas STEM candidates were part of the first slate of 2022 state legislative and municipal endorsements for 314 Action Fund, which is committed to building a bench of strong STEM candidates in down-ballot races who may pursue higher office in the future. In 2020, 314 Action Fund committed $1 million to elect scientists running for state legislative offices across the country in a partnership with the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee and Democratic legislative caucuses.

314 Action recently launched 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.