January 6, 2026

(Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) — For the first time in decades, the United States has reported over 2,000 cases of measles, threatening the nation’s elimination status. Even as the vast majority of those infected are unvaccinated, RFK Jr. continues to push an anti-vaccine agenda. RFK Jr. and Trump have destroyed America’s international reputation less than a year since taking office.

“RFK Jr. and Trump’s anti-science administration are undoing years of medical advancements, putting the health and safety of millions at risk,” said Shaughnessy Naughton, President of 314 Action. “When they wanted to take back our country, no one thought that meant taking us back to when children died of preventable diseases—but that’s exactly what they’re doing. This cannot be our new normal.” 

314 Action is working with doctors across the country who are running in crucial toss up races as RFK Jr.’s continues his attacks on science, vaccine policy and health care: 

Dr. Annie Andrews (SC-SEN) 

Dr. Annie Andrews is a mom, pediatrician and candidate for U.S. Senate running to defeat Lindsey Graham.

The first public polling in South Carolina’s Senate race shows Dr. Annie Andrews trailing Lindsey Graham by just 4 points. The poll also confirms that Dr. Annie wins over a majority of independent and swing voters when they hear about her background and message as a doctor. 

Lindsey Graham is the most unpopular Senator up for re-election in 2026. Fewer than 1 in 3 voters want to see him win re-election. 

Dr. Amy Acton (OH-GOV)

Dr. Amy Acton is running in what is the best flip opportunity of any Governor’s race in the nation. Five separate polls show her effectively tied against Republican Vivek Ramaswamy for this open seat. 

Dr. Acton grew up experiencing poverty and homelessness and worked her way through medical school to become the first woman to be Director of Public Health in Ohio history. 

Unlike Vivek, whose floundering campaign is only kept afloat by billionaire donors writing seven-figure checks, Dr. Acton is running a people-powered campaign, with individual donations averaging just $29.

Nirav Shah (ME-GOV)

Nirav Shah is an epidemiologist and former director of both the national CDC and the Maine CDC. 

Nirav is the highest-ranking former CDC official to run for office in the 2026 cycle. He’s devoted his life to improving our public health and recent polling shows he’s cleared the field as the frontrunner in the race for Maine Governor. 

Dr. Pamela Pugh (MI-SD-35) 

Dr. Pamela Pugh is a dedicated public health professional who led the fight to get clean drinking water in Flint, Michigan and was a champion for vaccines and students in underserved communities on the Michigan Board of Education. 

Control of the Michigan State Senate – where Democrats hold a single-seat majority – will be decided by this special election.

Dr. Pugh is running to win in a district that Democrats carried by single digits and previously won by Republicans by more than 10 points.

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314 Action is working with a record number of STEM candidates running for office in 2026. In response to RFK Jr.’s attacks on science and health care, 314 Action launched Guardians of Public Health, a first-of-its-kind $25 million initiative to elect 100 new doctors, nurses and public health experts to federal, statewide, and gubernatorial offices by 2030. 

314 Action is the only national organization working to elect scientists across all levels of government—from the Senate down to local school boards. The organization is powered by a grassroots community of over six million people supporting scientists, doctors, and STEM professionals who will use science and facts to address our most pressing issues like climate change and health care.

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