Bynum is 2nd STEM candidate to flip a Red district Blue
November 8, 2024
(PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA) — 314 Action Fund today congratulated engineer Janelle Bynum on her historic win in Oregon’s Fifth Congressional District. She successfully flipped one of the most crucial House seats and in doing so, Congresswoman-elect Bynum will become the first Black member of Congress to represent Oregon. 314 Action Fund spent $2.4 million in Oregon’s 5th district race. Bynum became the 2nd STEM challenger to flip a seat after former science teacher John Mannion won in NY-22.
“Congratulations to Congresswoman-elect Janelle Bynum for winning a critical battleground district, and making history by becoming the first Black Oregonian to represent the state in the U.S. House of Representatives in its 165 year history,” said Shaughnessy Naughton, President and Founder of 314 Action. “Now, more than ever, her voice and expertise are much needed in Congress, where she’ll be able to stand up to the GOP’s extreme anti-science, anti-abortion agenda.”
“Janelle knows that to make meaningful change for working families—including protecting reproductive rights, tackling climate change, and lowering everyday costs—we need to pass legislation backed by the data and facts. We’re proud to have helped play a role in her flipping this seat and cannot wait to watch her deliver results for Oregonians,” Naughton continued.
314 Action Fund is at the forefront of the battle to flip the House this cycle. In addition to picking up seats in OR-05 and NY-22, several other STEM challenger races are still “too close to call,” including CA-27, AZ-01, NE-02, and IA-01. The movement is powered by a grassroots community of over six million people working to elect scientists, doctors, and STEM professionals, up and down the ballot, who will use science and facts to address our most pressing issues like climate change and health care.
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