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Over 60 Doctors Expressed Interest In Guardians of Public Health Within First Three Days
March 04, 2025
(Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) — Last week, 314 Action announced “Guardians of Public Health,” a new campaign to elect 100 new doctors to office by 2030. Joined by Hawaii Governor Doctor Josh Green, the organization plans to raise and spend over $25 million on the initiative.
“Guardians of Public Health may be our most ambitious recruitment effort yet, but we’re already seeing an incredible response to the launch,” said Shaughnessy Naughton, President and Co-Founder of 314 Action. “Within the first three days, we’ve already had over 60 doctors and medical professionals sign up and express interest in running for office. From the State House to the White House, we need their voices now more than ever. It’s clear that doctors are ready to take action—and we are ready to roll up our sleeves and get to work supporting their campaigns.”
There are currently 27 Democratic physicians serving in state legislatures, six in the U.S. Congress, and one Governor. Doctors interested in running for office can sign up here to be connected with 314 Action.
Washington Post:
Democrats launch effort to get 100 doctors into elected office
Dan Diamond
02/28/25
Key sections:
A liberal advocacy group is launching a planned $25 million campaign to elect 100 new physicians to office by 2030, arguing that Democratic doctors must step forward to combat rising pressure on public health institutions and initiatives.
Leaders of 314 Action, which has worked to elect several physicians such as Rep. Kim Schrier (D-Washington), say they plan to recruit and support dozens of doctors in upcoming bids for statehouses, federal office, governorships — and potentially the White House.
The group’s campaign, dubbed “Guardians of Public Health,” comes after all four GOP physicians in the Senate voted for longtime anti-vaccine activist Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to serve as the nation’s health secretary and amid the Trump administration’s efforts to unwind an array of public health initiatives.
“Our goal is to find 100 excellent thought leaders on health care and science and see if they will serve in office,” said Hawaii Gov. Josh Green, who is the only Democratic physician currently leading a state and is co-chairing 314 Action’s new campaign. “If we’d have had physicians, nurses, social workers with a public background in greater numbers this year, we would have chosen a different HHS secretary.”
314 Action leaders say that the GOP has wrongly claimed the mantle of science and that their new campaign will work to wrest it back. The group — which takes its name from pi or π, the mathematical constant that is equivalent to 3.14 — backed Democratic doctors, such as freshmen Reps. Herb Conaway (New Jersey), Maxine Dexter (Oregon) and Kelly Morrison (Minnesota) in their successful campaigns last
“We’re very good at electing doctors,” said Josh Morrow, the group’s executive director, saying that the upcoming initiative would draw on lessons from past campaigns, such as highlighting the trust that many voters express for their personal physicians. Morrow said funding for 314 Action’s upcoming campaign would come mostly from grassroots support.
In an interview, Schrier credited 314 Action with helping her initial campaign for Congress.
“I had no idea what it would mean to run for office, what you need to do, where do you start,” she said, praising 314 Action and other groups for helping answer those questions and provide “the initial hand-holding.” She also said the goal of electing dozens of additional Democratic doctors is “absolutely achievable,” citing her colleagues’ recent victories.
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Washington Post
February 28, 2025
A liberal advocacy group is launching a planned $25 million campaign to elect 100 new physicians to office by 2030, arguing that Democratic doctors must step forward to combat rising pressure on public health institutions and initiatives.
Leaders of 314 Action, which has worked to elect several physicians such as Rep. Kim Schrier (D-Washington), say they plan to recruit and support dozens of doctors in upcoming bids for statehouses, federal office, governorships — and potentially the White House. The group’s campaign, dubbed “Guardians of Public Health,” comes after all four GOP physicians in the Senate voted for longtime anti-vaccine activist Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to serve as the nation’s health secretary and amid the Trump administration’s efforts to unwind an array of public health initiatives.
“Our goal is to find 100 excellent thought leaders on health care and science and see if they will serve in office,” said Hawaii Gov. Josh Green, who is the only Democratic physician currently leading a state and is co-chairing 314 Action’s new campaign. “If we have had physicians, nurses, social workers with a public background in greater numbers this year, we would have chosen a different HHS secretary.”
Republican doctors have long outnumbered their Democratic counterparts in Congress. Three of the Senate’s four GOP physicians hold leadership roles, with Sen. John Barrasso (Wyoming) serving as the Senate whip and Sens. Bill Cassidy (Louisiana) and Rand Paul (Kentucky) serving as chairmen of committees. Meanwhile, it has been 55 years since a Democratic physician served in the Senate, according to the Senate historical office.
Republican physicians also played major roles during Kennedy’s recent confirmation fight. After publicly wrestling with whether to support Kennedy, Cassidy ultimately said he believed Kennedy — who has a large personal following — could help restore trust in America’s health system; the Louisiana doctor’s vote helped ensure Kennedy’s confirmation. Sen. Roger Marshall (R-Kansas), a fellow physician, launched a “MAHA” caucus to support Kennedy’s ambitions.
Other Republicans pointed to their colleagues’ credentials as a way to burnish the candidacy of Kennedy, who was opposed by outside public health experts and physicians who attended his confirmation hearings, protesting his track record of vaccine skepticism. Kennedy has denied he is anti-vaccine.
“Let the record state there are three medical doctors on this side of the dais,” Sen. Steve Daines (R-Montana), a chemical engineer, told Kennedy at one of his confirmation hearings last month, where Daines was flanked by Barrasso, Cassidy and Marshall. “We believe in science. I’m thankful that you do, too.”
314 Action leaders say that the GOP has wrongly claimed the mantle of science and that their new campaign will work to wrest it back. The group — which takes its name from pi or π, the mathematical constant that is equivalent to 3.14 — backed Democratic doctors, such as freshmen Reps. Herb Conaway (New Jersey), Maxine Dexter (Oregon) and Kelly Morrison (Minnesota) in their successful campaigns last year.
“We’re very good at electing doctors,” said Josh Morrow, the group’s executive director, saying that the upcoming initiative would draw on lessons from past campaigns, such as highlighting the trust that many voters express for their personal physicians. Morrow said funding for 314 Action’s upcoming campaign would come mostly from grassroots support.
In an interview, Schrier credited 314 Action with helping her initial campaign for Congress.
“I had no idea what it would mean to run for office, what you need to do, where do you start,” she said, praising 314 Action and other groups for helping answer those questions and provide “the initial hand-holding.” She also said the goal of electing dozens of additional Democratic doctors is “absolutely achievable,” citing her colleagues’ recent victories.
314 Action is supporting Amy Acton, a physician and former Ohio public health official, in her campaign to serve as governor of Ohio.
Democratic physicians in office have said they are worried about declining confidence in public health institutions and are upset that their GOP colleagues supported Kennedy, particularly given evidence of rising vaccine hesitancy. Texas is experiencing its worst measles outbreak in three decades, and an unvaccinated child has died of the vaccine-preventable disease.
“I don’t see how any physician would be able to have someone like [Kennedy] lead the agency responsible for public health,” Rep. Raul Ruiz (D-California), an emergency-medicine physician, said in an recent interview. “Vaccines are our most effective public health interventions.”
February 28, 2025
(Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) — 314 Action today launched a new campaign to elect 100 new doctors to state offices and Congress by 2030. “Guardians of Public Health” marks the most ambitious recruitment effort by 314 Action in history.
“We need a fix to the anti-science, bad-faith rot happening across our country and what better way to cure this disease than by electing 100 new doctors from state houses to Congress,” said Joshua Morrow, Co-Founder and 314 Action Executive Director. “Donald Trump and Elon Musk are gutting crucial cancer research funding at the NIH, gutting the Centers for Disease Control, and putting anti-vaccine conspiracy theorists like Robert F. Kennedy Jr. in charge, decisions that will imperil our public health systems. 314 Action is ready to help elect more doctors to make an impact in communities across the country.”
With Republicans dismantling our health care system at a rapid pace, America needs a new class of leaders. 314 Action plans to raise and spend over $25 million by 2030 to elect 100 new doctors to state legislatures, governor offices, and federal offices. Hawaii Governor Doctor Josh Green is partnering with 314 Action Fund to help spearhead the effort as a national co-chair.
“There’s no seat in the nation that wouldn’t benefit from a doctor’s touch. We swore an oath to protect people and public health and will always put that above politics,” said Governor Josh Green (D-HI). “Public health officials know how to examine data and facts critically, and we make decisions that are most efficient, and in the best interest of our health. Republicans on the other hand are falling in line by allowing anti-science extremists like RFK Jr. to dismantle our public health systems. Americans cannot afford to continue to let anti-science Republicans dictate our future.”
“Electing doctors in state and federal positions across the country is the best way we can fight against RFK Jr. and everyone else promoting his dangerous agenda. We need to replace his cronies with doctors who will put the health and safety of their community first—and I’m proud to be on the frontlines of this crucial work,” continued Governor Green.
“It’s time to fight back against the GOP’s anti-science, anti-research, anti-public health agenda. “Guardians of Public Health” is our biggest and boldest effort yet—and we’re ready to roll up our sleeves and do everything we can to put a doctor in every House,” concluded Morrow.
There are currently 27 Democratic physicians serving in state legislatures, six in the U.S. Congress, and one Governor. Doctors interested in running for office can sign up here to be connected with 314 Action. 314 Action’s new initiative to recruit and elect 100 doctors to all levels of government will build on the groundwork the organization has already established. In addition to recruitment, 314 Action will work closely with candidates throughout their campaign.
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. Since 2018, we have 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 in helping over 400 statewide, state legislative, and municipal candidates win their races.
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A new Ohio Public Policy Polling survey finds Amy Acton with a 1-point lead over Vivek Ramaswamy, 45% to 44%. Both candidates have a net positive favorability rating – 31%of voters view Acton favorably and 27% view her unfavorably, and 41% of voters view Ramaswamy favorably and 38% view him unfavorably. However 42% aren’t yet sure of their opinion of Acton while just 20% say the same about Ramaswamy, suggesting further room to grow for Acton.
Other key findings from the survey include:
Public Policy Polling surveyed 642 registered voters in Ohio from February 19-20, 2025.The margin of error is +/- 3.9%. 64% of interviews for the survey were conducted by text message and 36% by telephone.
Ohio Survey Results
Q1 Do you have a favorable or unfavorable opinion of Donald Trump?
Favorable ………………………….…53%
Unfavorable ……………………….…43%
Not sure ……………………………..….3%
Q2 Do you approve or disapprove of Governor Mike DeWine’s job performance?
Approve ……………………………..…34%
Disapprove …………………………….46%
Not sure …………………………….….21%
Q3 Do you have a favorable or unfavorable opinion of Amy Acton?
Favorable …………………………….…31%
Unfavorable …………………………….27%
Not sure …………………………….…..42%
Q4 Do you have a favorable or unfavorable opinion of Tim Ryan?
Favorable ……………………………….31%
Unfavorable …………………………….26%
Not sure …………………………………43%
Q5 Do you have a favorable or unfavorable opinion of Vivek Ramaswamy?
Favorable …………………..……….…..41%
Unfavorable ………………………………38%
Not sure …………………………….…….20%
Q6 If the candidates for Governor next time were Democrat Amy Acton and Republican Vivek Ramaswamy, who would you vote for?
Amy Acton …………………………….….45%
Vivek Ramaswamy ………….………….44%
Not sure ……………………………..…….10%
Q7 If the candidates for Governor next time were Democrat Tim Ryan and Republican Vivek Ramaswamy, who would you vote for?
Tim Ryan …………………………….……42%
Vivek Ramaswamy ……………………..48%
Not sure ….………………………….……..9%
Q8 From the following list of choices, which issue is most important to you: healthcare, jobs and the economy, immigration and border security, inflation and the cost of living, crime and public safety, standing up to Donald Trump, or something else?
Healthcare ………………………….…….11%
Jobs and the economy ………..….…14%
Immigration and border security..…18%
Inflation and the cost of living ..……25%
Crime and public safety …………..…..2%
Standing up to Donald Trump ..……24%
Something else ……………………….…5%
Not sure …………………………..…..……2%
Q9 Do you have a favorable or unfavorable opinion of Robert Kennedy Jr?
Favorable ……………………….….41%
Unfavorable ………………..…….44%
Not sure …………………..….……15%
Q10 Who do you trust the most to relate to regular Ohioans: a billionaire, a medical doctor, or a politician?
A billionaire …………………..……..26%
A medical doctor ……………………40%
A politician …………………………….6%
Not sure ……………………….………27%
Q11 Who do you trust more when it comes to healthcare: a billionaire Biotech executive, or a medical doctor?
Trust a billionaire Biotech executive more…21%
Trust a medical doctor more…………………. 60%
Not sure ……………………………………………19%
Q12 Do you approve or disapprove of Elon Musk having a significant role in government?
Approve ………..…………45%
Disapprove……..………..50%
Not sure ….……………….5%
Q13 In the 2024 election for President, did you vote for Republican Donald Trump, Democrat Kamala Harris, someone else, or did you not vote in the election?
Donald Trump …………..………54%
Kamala Harris ………….……….43%
Someone else / Did not vote …3%
Q14 If you are a woman, press 1. If a man, press 2. If you are gender non-binary, press 3.
Woman ……………………….52%
Man…………………………..46%
Gender non-binary ………..2%
Q15 If you are a Democrat, press 1. If a Republican, press 2. If an independent, press 3.
Democrat …………………..34%
Republican ……….…………39%
Independent ………………..27%
Q16 If you are white, press 1. If other, press 2.
White ..………………………..85%
Other …………….………….15%
Q17 If you are 18-45 years old, press 1. If 46-65, press 2. If older than 65, press 3.
18 to 45 ……………………….35%
46 to 65 …….………………..40%
Older than 65 ……………….25%
Q18 What is the highest level of education you have received: high school graduate or less, some college but did not finish, 2-year college degree, 4-year college degree, or postgraduate degree?
High school graduate or less ………28%
Some college but did not finish …..19%
2-year college degree ……………….12%
4-year college degree ……………….25%
Post-graduate degree .…………….16%
Q19 Mode
Landline …….…………………….36%
Text …………..…………………..64%
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Shaughnessy Naughton: RFK Jr. is the most dangerous and unfit candidate to ever lead HHS
February 13, 2025
(Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) — 314 Action President and Co-Founder Shaughnessy Naughton released the following statement on the Senate’s vote to confirm Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as the Secretary of Health and Human Services:
“Senate Republicans today shamefully put Donald Trump’s anti-science agenda above the health and safety of the American people by voting in favor of RFK Jr. for HHS. He is the most dangerous and unfit candidate to ever lead HHS. His sketchy financial conflicts of interests alone are unprecedented and damning—not to mention his well-documented role in the 2019 Samoan measles outbreak that killed 83 people—mostly children, and his vicious anti-vaccine propaganda.
“Shame on every Senator who voted for this charlatan. Especially Senator Bill Cassidy, who betrayed his own hippocratic path for empty promises in exchange for a vote for RFK Jr. Make no mistake—this confirmation will put children’s health in danger, and put millions more at risk of preventable diseases. Not only will RFK Jr. and the Trump administration be to blame, but we will hold these Senators responsible for their role in destroying our public health.
“RFK Jr.’s appointment to HHS isn’t the end of our work to protect Americans. We will continue to stand up to his attacks against science and fight back against Trump’s other dangerous nominations to our health care system. We are ready to roll up our sleeves and work harder than ever because the lives of American children depend on it.”
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February 4, 2025
(Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) — Joshua Morrow, Executive Director and Co-Founder of 314 Action released the following statement on the Senate Financial Senate Committee’s vote recommending Robert F. Kennedy for Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS):
“Today Sen. Bill Cassidy failed to uphold his hippocratic oath to do no harm, shirked his constitutional oath, and turned his back on the American people by voting for RFK Jr., an anti-science, anti-vax conspiracy theorist to lead HHS. In essence, he sold out American kids to save his political hide.”
“As a physician, Sen. Cassidy knows how dangerous RFK Jr. is to our nation’s public health but he still put oath to his party over the health and safety of the American people. We urge Sen. Cassidy to take another look at all the harm RFK Jr. will cause and vote against his confirmation in the full Senate vote.”
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RFK JR. CONTINUED PEDDLING ANTI-VACCINE CONSPIRACY THEORIES, REFUSED TO ACKNOWLEDGE VACCINES DON’T CAUSE AUTISM, AND SHOWED LACK OF KNOWLEDGE ON MEDICARE AND MEDICAID
January 30, 2025
(Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) — Following Robert F. Kennedy’s damning Senate Committee hearing on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP), 314 Action President and Co-Founder Shaughnessy Naughton released the following statement:
“RFK Jr. today continued to peddle misinformation and cast doubts on childhood vaccines, elevate fringe theories while ignoring the preponderance amounts of evidence supporting the safety and efficacy of vaccines, and obfuscated the millions he has profited from the anti-vaccine cottage industry he helped build.”
“He continued pushing debunked conspiracy theories that say vaccines cause autism, failed to answer basic questions about Medicare and Medicaid, and continued to insist there was nothing wrong with padding his pockets and profiting millions of dollars from anti-vaccine lawsuits. It’s clear that RFK Jr. is grossly unfit to be Secretary of Health and Human Services, and every Senator of good conscience, Republican or Democrat, must vote no.”
“RFK Jr.’s nomination is a threat to our nation’s public health and wellbeing, and an insult to the American people. Any elected official who supports this nomination is putting their stamp of approval on junk science, conspiracy theories, and fringe beliefs—and must be held responsible for the chaos RFK Jr. would cause. To keep our nation safe and healthy, Senators on both sides of the aisle must vote against RFK Jr. next week.”
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10 CRITICAL QUESTIONS RFK JR. MUST ANSWER AT HELP CONFIRMATION HEARING ON THURSDAY
January 29, 2025
(Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) — During today’s Senate Committee on Finance hearing for Robert F. Kennedy’s nomination to lead the Department of Health and Human Services, Senators pressed him on him taking millions of dollars from anti-vaccine lawsuits and settlement payments while he is the HHS Secretary—an unprecedented and unethical decision he made to continue to accept profits from anti-vaccine settlements if confirmed.
“Not surprising, RFK Jr. was unable to answer any questions regarding his sketchy finances,” said 314 Action Executive Director Joshua Morrow. “There’s no world in which it’s acceptable for the head of HHS to rake in millions from anti-vaccine settlements—and RFK Jr.’s rambling nonanswers prove just that. But it doesn’t matter to him; he’s all too happy to gamble with children’s lives as long as he is getting a fat paycheck. He has proven that his number one priority is lining his own pockets—even at the expense of American lives.”
Morrow continued, “What we witnessed today reinforced all the warnings from doctors, physicians, health care professionals, and everyday Americans—RFK Jr. is gravely unfit and unqualified to lead the HHS. If he’s pushed through and confirmed as HHS Secretary, RFK Jr.’s long list of financial conflicts will be unprecedented and his anti-vaccine conspiracies will negatively harm millions of children. Senators must reject his nomination next week.”
Morrow said RFK Jr. must address the following questions during Thursday’s HELP committee meeting:
The HHS Secretary has oversight of the FDA, the VICP, the NIH and other entities that have a direct impact on vaccine development and policy.
How exactly will you remove yourself from the oversight of programs that could impact your interest in the Gardasil lawsuits, and in other cases being pushed by Wisner Baum?
