September 23, 2021

PHILADELPHIA — Today, 314 Action Fund announced its endorsement of State Senator Tony Vargas in the race to represent Nebraska’s second congressional district. A former science teacher, Vargas first served as a public official while a member of the Omaha Public Schools Board. He has also served as a state legislator since 2017.

In the 2020 election, NE-02 was one of the only congressional districts won by a Republican that voted for Joe Biden at the top of the ticket, making the district a top target for Democrats in the 2022 midterms.

“As a senator serving on the appropriations committee, Senator Tony Vargas has shown he can work with colleagues to improve and invest in Nebraska’s public health infrastructure while growing an economy where hard work is rewarded.” said Shaughnessy Naughton, president of 314 Action. “Tony is prepared to take up that responsibility by flipping NE-02 next year and bringing his decades of experience and knowledge to Congress.” 

“My background as a former science teacher and STEM teacher coach drives my decision making as a legislator,” said Senator Tony Vargas. “I’m proud to be endorsed by 314 Action Fund. I share in their mission to advance science and data driven policy, which is why I fought for funding for public health and lifted up the voices of doctors and scientists during this pandemic.”

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. 

ABOUT STATE SENATOR TONY VARGAS:

Tony Vargas has served Nebraskans as an elected official for the last decade/nine years. Tony learned the values of community, hard work, and perseverance from his parents, who, coming from humble beginnings, sacrificed everything to provide their children with an opportunity for a brighter future. No matter how busy the family was, they had dinner together every night, where his parents encouraged Tony to “stay grounded, but reach for the stars.”

Tony devoted his career to public service and improving opportunities for all Nebraskans. He has served his community since 2013, first as a member of the Omaha Public Schools Board and then as a member of the Nebraska Legislature. As a senator, Tony has developed a reputation for civility and working with anyone to get things done for Nebraska workers and small businesses.

He has successfully passed legislation to strengthen Nebraska’s public schools, improve access to health care, encourage technology and innovation, and improve consumer protections.

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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.