Nation’s Premier Pro-Science Political Organization Aims to Spend $50 Million in Lead-up to 2021 and 2022 Elections

April 9, 2021

PHILADELPHIA — Today, 314 Action Fund announced its endorsement of physicist Councilmember Mark Levine for Manhattan borough president. After helping to elect over 100 scientists running for state and local offices last year, 314 Action Fund is proud to support the borough president campaign of Councilmember Levine.

Councilmember Levine is a physicist who has served as a research assistant at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Lab, where he built a computer simulation of charged particle acceleration in the earth’s magnetosphere, and as a science and mathematics teacher in the South Bronx. Currently, Councilmember Levine is the only member of New York City Council with a background in science, and he has used his scientific training to serve New Yorkers as chair of the City Council Health Committee, a role that has been integral to combating the coronavirus pandemic.

“The pandemic made it clear just how essential it is for our City to prioritize science-based, longer-term solutions and the importance of elevating STEM professionals to leadership positions on a local level, and I’m honored to have the support of 314 Action,” said New York City Councilmember Mark Levine, candidate for Manhattan borough president. “As Chair of the Health Committee, I am leading the fight for a science-based response to the COVID-19 pandemic, fighting for millions in relief funds for families and small businesses. As Borough President, I will dedicate real resources to our long-term recovery, address climate change, bring equity to our healthcare system, create science-based jobs and ensure a strong STEM curriculum in our schools. 314 Action leads on these issues on a national level, and I’m proud to stand with them as we work to imagine a stronger, more equitable and just Manhattan.”

“New York City has been front and center in the fight against the anti-science antics of Trump and his blind loyalists in the GOP, and Councilmember Mark Levine has consistently led by example by putting science first in the policymaking process,” said Shaughnessy Naughton, President of 314 Action. “Mark will help position New York City as a leader in the post-pandemic world by fighting for evidence-based policies that improve the lives of Manhattan residents.”

Since its founding, 314 Action Fund has remained committed to electing scientists across New York. During the 2020 campaign cycle, 314 Action Fund’s independent expenditure program invested nearly $3 million in support of Dr. Nancy Goroff, then-candidate for New York’s first congressional district. 314 Action Fund raised nearly $70,000 in grassroots donations for Dr. Goroff’s campaign. 314 Action Fund has also been proud to endorse and support STEM trailblazer Congressman Paul Tonko of New York’s twentieth congressional district as well as New York State Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie (District 83) and State. Sen. John Mannion (District 50).

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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. 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.