Republicans shut down the government then left town.
If they won't do their jobs they should lose their jobs. Donate to support the dozens of Democratic scientists we have running in the most competitive House races of the midterm elections and let's FLIP the House blue!
(Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) — 314 Action President Shaughnessy Naughton released the following statement on Donald Trump’s executive order against ActBlue:
“With an all-time low 44% approval rating according to Fox News Polling, this is nothing more than an attempt to silence the voices of the American people. If President Trump actually cared about the illegal influence of foreign money in our elections he would turn himself in to AG Bondi.”
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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April 23, 2025
“There is no doubt that DOGE’s attack on health research will haunt us long into the future”
(Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) — Shaughnessy Naughton, President of 314 Action, published a new op-ed, detailing the dangers of Elon Musk and the Trump administration stripping federal funding from crucial health research. In addition, she also highlights how Robert F. Kennedy’s Make America Healthy Again crusade is impossible with his anti-vaccine fringe beliefs.
When I think about what makes America great, beyond our founding principle of “all men are created equal”, I think of our role as a world leader in health and education.
As Americans we should be truly proud of the investments we have made in both that have led us to where we are today. Our advancements in science have led to healthier, longer lives; cures and treatments to previously lethal diseases, like measles; and even the creation of lives through IVF. It has made us the envy of the world and why our researchers have won more Nobel prizes than any other nation.
Our willingness as Americans to invest in basic research, education and enabling our research institutions to parlay those investments into medical breakthroughs has improved every aspect of our society and beyond. It’s the result of the conscious decision to invest in the whole pipeline, education from pre-K through postgraduate, knowing that we don’t get results by luck alone.
Since 1980, when the Bayh-Dole Act was passed into law, government, industry and academia have been able to cooperate and commercialize federally funded research, resulting in an explosion of health and wealth benefits for the American people.
Take CRISPR, a gene editing technology. Originally discovered in a university laboratory, it is now being studied for use as a treatment for rare and common diseases, like sickle-cell anemia and currently incurable cancers. This would not be possible without federal funding.
Which is why it is so troubling to see the dismantling and defunding of programs that have delivered proven results.
Elon Musk and his DOGE team have gleefully taken an indiscriminate and counterproductive approach to slashing the size of government, imperiling not just global health but Americans right here at home. Cuts have targeted local public health departments that oversee disease surveillance and prevention, all while a measles outbreak has resulted in 2 unvaccinated children dying in Texas.
The DOGE team is currently slashing its way through the nation’s premier health research organizations, National Institute of Health (NIH) and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), firing thousands of scientists, halting clinical trials and research projects. This has left patients and veterans awaiting experimental treatments with few options and worse—little hope.
The ripple effects continue as universities can only offer fewer post-graduate educational opportunities. There is no doubt that this will haunt us long into the future. All while China continues to commit more annually to its research and development budget.
We don’t make these investments for science’s sake, we make them because the promise of science is for our future. No place is that more visible than in health care and public health.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has a long history of profiteering off of misinformation and disinformation, particularly around the connection of childhood vaccines and autism, even at the expense of innocent lives. So, it should come as no surprise that he has promised to find the cause of the “autism epidemic” by September, leading many to question the veracity of the research he is referencing especially as he’s rejected previous studies that disprove his anti-vaccine conspiracy theories.
While I commend him for using his position to advocate for healthier lifestyles for Americans, good nutrition does not stop the spread of infectious diseases. He recently revealed he didn’t know that $11 billion in cuts had been made to infectious disease programs, addiction treatment, mental health and childhood vaccination programs, implausibly stating the cuts were just to DEI programs. This is not just an unserious statement, it is a danger to American health.
As taxpayers we should demand accountability and efficiency. But we should also recognize when short-sighted political recklessness is harming our future.
Please join me in calling on Congress to stand up to President Trump and Elon Musk and stop the dangerous cuts that are a threat to America’s excellence and health.
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April 23, 2025
(Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) — With Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) announcing today that he will be retiring at the end of his term, leaving the Illinois Senate seat open, Representative Underwood, a nurse and public health expert, is the strongest potential candidate. Last month, 314 Action Fund released the findings of a new poll, showing Rep. Underwood leads in every test with voters.
“Senator Durbin has been an indisputable champion for Illinois, delivering time and time again for the state—while no one can fill his shoes, voters are ready for the next generation of bold leadership,” said Shaughnessy Naughton, President of 314 Action Fund. “It’s clear that voters trust Representative Underwood to continue his legacy. Her voice and STEM expertise is crucial to make real, lasting change on the issues facing Americans every day.”
In the initial 4-way ballot, Representative Underwood and Representative Krishnamoorthi are statistically tied with 33% and 30%, respectively, followed by 16% for Lieutenant Governor Stratton and 10% for Representative Kelly. The remaining 10% are undecided.
If Representative Kelly was not to run, Representative Underwood picks up the most of her voters, with 45% of her voters moving to Underwood.
In the 3-way ballot, Representative Underwood leads by 7 points – 39% to 32% for Krishnamoorthi, and 19% for Stratton.
After providing voters with more information about each of the candidates, pulling from bio information each candidate has used, Representative Underwood extends her lead in the 4-way ballot, with 42% of the vote, followed by Representative. Krishnamoorthi at 25%, Stratton at 19%, 9% supporting Kelly, and 4% are undecided.
Representative Underwood has the highest name ID of the field – 77% of primary voters identify her by name, 57% know her well enough to offer an opinion of her, and those opinions are almost entirely positive – 53% favorable, 4% unfavorable, 20% neutral.
This poll surveyed 773 likely 2026 Democratic primary voters in Illinois from March 24-27, 2026. The margin of error, as traditionally calculated, is ±3.53% for the full sample.
314 Action Fund is the only national organization working to elect Democrats with backgrounds in science and medicine 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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April 22, 2025
“It’s more critical than ever to elect exceptional candidates who are ready to lead the fight for our land, water, and air”
(Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) — On the 55th anniversary of Earth Day, 314 Action announced their top five Climate Champions—candidates who have gone above and beyond to tackle the climate crisis.
“As Trump and his anti-science allies continue to roll back vital environmental protections, it’s more critical than ever to elect exceptional candidates who are ready to lead the fight for our land, water, and air,” said Shaughnessy Naughton, President of 314 Action. “From federal to local office, these five champions have built their careers on science, facts, and evidence-based solutions. We’re proud to support their campaigns and look forward to working alongside them to protect our planet—and everyone who calls it home—for generations to come.”
314 Action 2025 Climate Champions:
Representative Sean Casten (IL-06)
Rep. Casten was one of the first climate experts elected to the House. As Vice-Chair of the Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition, he is always looking for new ways to protect the environment.
Representative Eric Sorensen (IL-17)
Rep. Sorensen is a leading climate expert in Congress, using his expertise as a meteorologist to deliver funding for clean energy and water investments in Illinois and the nation.
Representative Melanie Stansbury (NM-01)
As an ecology & natural resources expert, Rep. Stansbury used her knowledge and experience to fight for bold legislation to create clean energy jobs and address the climate crisis.
Delegate Amy Laufer (VA HD-55)
As a former water analyst, Delegate Laufer understands the importance of protecting our waterways while fighting for environmental justice—something she continues to do in the Virginia House of Delegates.
Mayor Paloma Aguirre (Imperial Beach, CA)
As the mayor of Imperial Beach, Mayor Aguirre secured over $600 million to clean toxic waste—and she will bring her knowledge to the San Diego County Board of Supervisors.
314 Action is the only national organization working to elect Democrats with backgrounds in science and medicine 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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April 10, 2025
“In every scenario we tested, Congresswoman Underwood is the strongest potential candidate if Sen. Durbin were to retire”
(Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) — Earlier this week, 314 Action Fund released the findings from a new poll on the Illinois Senate race, clearly showing Representative Lauren Underwood (IL-14), a nurse and public health expert, leading the ballot, should Senator Dick Durbin retire. In every single scenario, voters trusted Rep. Underwood over the rest of the candidates.
If Sen. Durbin retires, the Illinois Senate primary will be one of the most-watched races in the nation.
Here’s what national and local news outlets are saying about 314 Action’s poll:
Key points: Organizing efforts were done almost entirely behind the scenes until Tuesday, when the campaign team for U.S. Rep. Lauren Underwood, a Democrat from Naperville, sent out a fundraising email proclaiming she is “gearing up and getting ready here on the campaign side” should Durbin retire.
If that happens, Underwood would lead the Senate Democratic primary, according to a new poll commissioned by 314 Action Fund. In March, pollsters surveyed 773 likely 2026 Democratic primary voters in Illinois. They found that Underwood has the highest name recognition of the candidates in the field.
“In every scenario we tested, Congresswoman Underwood is the strongest potential candidate if Sen. Durbin were to retire,” said Erik Polyak, the managing director of 314 Action.
He added that his [group] would like to see a “next generation STEM leader.” Underwood is a registered nurse.
In a four-way ballot with U.S. Reps. Robin Kelly and Raja Krishnamoorthi plus Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton, Underwood had 33 percent of the vote, while Krishnamoorthi had 30 percent, Stratton had 16 percent and Kelly had 10 percent. The remaining 10 percent of voters were undecided.
“You’re going to have a lot of people in Illinois who are making very hard choices about what their future looks like in the political sphere. They’re going to have to give up seats in order to join this primary,” Abudayyeh said.
When voters were provided with more information about the candidates, Underwood’s lead increased to 42 percent of the vote compared to Krishnamoorthi’s 25 percent, Stratton’s 19 percent and Kelly’s 9 percent. Four percent were undecided.
If Kelly decided not to run, Underwood would pick up 45 percent of her voters. In the three-way ballot, 39 percent of voters would support Underwood, 32 percent would support Krishnamoorthi and 19 percent would support Stratton.
Key points: A new poll commissioned by 314 Action Fund shows that Representative Lauren Underwood (IL-14), a nurse and public health expert, leads the Illinois Senate ballot in every test, should Senator Dick Durbin retire. In a potential four-way race, a three-way race, and after introducing each candidate’s biography, Representative Underwood stood above the rest to Illinois voters.
“Senator Dick Durbin has been an unrivaled champion for Illinois who has worked tirelessly to deliver for the state and has earned the right to decide what is best for himself, his family, and the future of the state,” said Erik Polyak, Managing Director of 314 Action. “Should he decide not to run for reelection, it’s clear Illinois is ready for a new generation of leadership and we are excited by the possibilities.”
In the initial 4-way ballot, Representative Underwood and Representative Krishnamoorthi are statistically tied with 33% and 30%, respectively, followed by 16% for Lieutenant Governor Stratton and 10% for Representative Kelly. The remaining 10% are undecided.
If Representative Kelly was not to run, Representative Underwood picks up the most of her voters, with 45% of her voters moving to Underwood.
In the 3-way ballot, Representative Underwood leads by 7 points – 39% to 32% for Krishnamoorthi, and 19% for Stratton.
After providing voters with more information about each of the candidates, pulling from bio information each candidate has used, Representative Underwood extends her lead in the 4-way ballot, with 42% of the vote, followed by Representative. Krishnamoorthi at 25%, Stratton at 19%, 9% supporting Kelly, and 4% are undecided.
Representative Underwood has the highest name ID of the field – 77% of primary voters identify her by name, 57% know her well enough to offer an opinion of her, and those opinions are almost entirely positive – 53% favorable, 4% unfavorable, 20% neutral.
Key points: The primary dynamic spilled into the open this week, motivated by the buzz around a poll commissioned by Democratic group 314 Action that excluded Durbin. The poll has Reps. Lauren Underwood (D-Ill.) and Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-Ill.) in the top tier of contenders with 33% and 30% support respectively, ahead of Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton at 16% and Rep. Robin Kelly (D-Ill.) at 10%.
On the heels of the poll, Underwood’s team sent out a fundraising appeal to donors touting the numbers. “We’re gearing up and getting ready here on the campaign side,” the email said, the clearest indication that Underwood is prepping for a statewide bid.
Key points: 314 Action Fund is out with toplines from a new poll of likely voters in a potential race for the U.S. Senate should Sen. Dick Durbin decide not to seek re-election. It shows Congresswoman Lauren Underwood leading in two different scenarios, according to the toplines.
In a race with Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton and Congressmembers Raja Krishnamoorthi and Robin Kelly, Underwood and Krishnamoorthi are statistically tied at 33 percent and 30 percent respectively, according to 314 Action Fund.
In a three-way race without Kelly, Underwood has a 7-point lead — 39 percent to 32 percent — over Krishnamoorthis, with Stratton at 19 percent.
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April 8, 2025
In a potential four-way race, a three-way race, and after introducing each candidate’s biography, Representative Underwood stood above the rest to Illinois Democratic primary voters.
(Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) — A new poll commissioned by 314 Action Fund shows that Representative Lauren Underwood (IL-14), a nurse and public health expert, leads the Illinois Senate ballot in every test, should Senator Dick Durbin retire. In a potential four-way race, a three-way race, and after introducing each candidate’s biography, Representative Underwood stood above the rest to Illinois voters.
“Senator Dick Durbin has been an unrivaled champion for Illinois who has worked tirelessly to deliver for the state and has earned the right to decide what is best for himself, his family, and the future of the state,” said Erik Polyak, Managing Director of 314 Action. “Should he decide not to run for reelection, it’s clear Illinois is ready for a new generation of leadership and we are excited by the possibilities.”
Other key findings include:
In the initial 4-way ballot, Representative Underwood and Representative Krishnamoorthi are statistically tied with 33% and 30%, respectively, followed by 16% for Lieutenant Governor Stratton and 10% for Representative Kelly. The remaining 10% are undecided.
If Representative Kelly was not to run, Representative Underwood picks up the most of her voters, with 45% of her voters moving to Underwood.
In the 3-way ballot, Representative Underwood leads by 7 points – 39% to 32% for Krishnamoorthi, and 19% for Stratton.
After providing voters with more information about each of the candidates, pulling from bio information each candidate has used, Representative Underwood extends her lead in the 4-way ballot, with 42% of the vote, followed by Representative. Krishnamoorthi at 25%, Stratton at 19%, 9% supporting Kelly, and 4% are undecided.
Representative Underwood has the highest name ID of the field – 77% of primary voters identify her by name, 57% know her well enough to offer an opinion of her, and those opinions are almost entirely positive – 53% favorable, 4% unfavorable, 20% neutral.
This poll surveyed 773 likely 2026 Democratic primary voters in Illinois from March 24-27, 2026. The margin of error, as traditionally calculated, is ±3.53% for the full sample.
314 Action Fund is the only national organization working to elect Democrats with backgrounds in science and medicine 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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April 7, 2025
“Calling Navy veteran Senator Mark Kelly a ‘traitor,’ while delighting in firing thousands of honorable U.S. veterans from continuing their service, is a disgrace.”
(Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) —Last week, 314 Action launched a new ad slamming Elon Musk for his repeated disrespect of veterans—including Senator Mark Kelly. “Musk” will run in battleground states with VA hospitals, including Arizona, Georgia, Maine, Michigan, North Carolina, and Ohio. In total, the ad will reach 21 medical centers.
“Musk” is a part of 314 Action’s ongoing seven-figure advocacy work to hold Trump’s dangerous anti-science Administration accountable. The ad builds upon the organization’s recent digital ad campaign demanding 12 of the most vulnerable House Republicans to stand up to Elon Musk’s attacks on public health.
Democrats are doubling down on attacks targeting Elon Musk by resurrecting his evocative straight-arm salute in an ad set for release in battleground states across the U.S.
The ad zeroes in on Musk’s feud with Senator Mark Kelly. The DOGE billionaire branded the retired astronaut and Navy vet a “traitor” after the lawmaker said the U.S. should “stand with Ukraine.”
The digital ad from 314 Action–a progressive advocacy group dedicated to getting Democrats with a scientific background elected–pays tribute to Kelly before complaining that Musk had taken “billions in federal funds” and was firing “thousands of our veterans.”
“It’s time to fire Elon Musk,” the ad concludes, showing footage of Musk making his controversial salute at Donald Trump’s inauguration rally.
Earlier, the ad says: “When America needed his courage to fly combat missions, Mark Kelly answered the call. An aerospace engineer, Mark Kelly led shuttle missions to space. When Arizona families, including his wife, were struck by violence, Mark Kelly listened and helped them heal.”
“Elon Musk seems to think this is all just a joke—that he can say and do whatever he wants without consequences,” said Shaughnessy Naughton, president of 314 Action.
“Calling Navy veteran Senator Mark Kelly a ‘traitor,’ while delighting in firing thousands of honorable U.S. veterans from continuing their service, is a disgrace.”
“Meanwhile, in between Nazi salutes and chainsaws, he’s enriching himself and his companies off government contracts. It’s beyond time to fire Musk,” she added.
The ad, called “Musk,” will run in battleground states with VA hospitals, including Arizona, Georgia, Maine, Michigan, North Carolina, and Ohio—reaching 21 medical centers.
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April 3, 2025
“It’s more important than ever to protect these proven leaders”
(Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) — 314 Action Fund today announced the endorsement of three vanguards of science: Representatives George Whitesides (CA-27), John Mannion (NY-22), Janelle Bynum (OR-05).
“Given Donald Trump’s vicious and relentless anti-science attacks on our health care, our environment, and education, it’s more important than ever to protect these proven leaders,” said Shaughnessy Naughton, President of 314 Action. “Republicans will do whatever it takes to claw their way back to power in these districts—but we’re not going to let them. We are ready to roll up our sleeves and get to work to ensure these STEM champions are reelected so they can stand up for the American people against Trump and Elon Musk.”
As Republicans look to increase their slim majority and further their anti-science agenda, 314 Action is doubling down on the efforts to not only protect the STEM leaders in office, but to grow the amount of scientists and doctors in office. Earlier this year, 314 Action announced 28 targeted districts for 2026 and launched a new initiative, Guardians of Public Health, to elect 100 new doctors to office.
“Because I always use facts and data to better the lives of my constituents, Republicans have already placed a target on my back,” said Representative George Whitesides (CA-27). “They know I’ll never stop fighting against their anti-science agenda. 314 Action has been with me every step of the way and I’m honored to have their support once again. I’m ready to roll up my sleeves and work alongside the organization to defend our pro-science approach in the district.”
“As a former public school science teacher for 30 years, I’m honored to have 314 Action’s endorsement once again,” said Representative John Mannion (NY-22). “Their work to elect STEM candidates is crucial as we use evidence-based knowledge to better our health care systems, improve climate protections, and fight to bring down the cost of living. We need bold leadership to take on the Trump administration—and that’s exactly who 314 Action supports.”
“Now more than ever, we need leaders in office who will use the facts and data to fight for our communities,” said Representative Janelle Bynum (OR-05). “314 Action’s work to not only keep STEM leaders in office, but to grow the number as well, is paramount in the fight against anti-science Republicans. I’m so proud to have had their support throughout my career and am proud to have their endorsement again.”
314 Action is the only national organization working to elect Democrats with backgrounds in science and medicine 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.
