Bale Dalton is the official Democratic nominee in Florida’s 7th Congressional District, winning a competitive primary to advance to a general election in a matchup against Ryan Elijah. As a decorated Navy Captain and NASA’s former Chief of Staff, Dalton is one of 314 Action’s endorsed STEM leaders running to flip competitive seats this cycle. In response, 314 Action President Shaughnessy Naughton released the following statement:
“314 Action Fund congratulates Bale Dalton on winning the Democratic nomination in Florida’s 7th Congressional District. This is a major win for pro-science leadership in one of the most competitive districts in the country.
“Bale Dalton spent 24 years in the Navy and Navy Reserve, flying medevac missions in Kuwait, delivering relief after Hurricane Katrina, and directing combat air support in Afghanistan. He went on to serve as NASA’s Chief of Staff, running one of the federal government’s most effective agencies. Voters nominated Dalton because they know he’ll bring that same discipline and problem-solving to Congress.
“Dalton beat a crowded primary and is heading into the general election outraising his opponents and building a coalition of voters who are done with career politicians. 314 Action Fund proudly endorsed Bale Dalton during the primary, and it’s only the beginning: we look forward to supporting him across the finish line in November and sending a scientist to Congress who will fight for Central Florida families.”
Dalton was named to the DCCC’s Red to Blue program in July, one of nine 314 Action-endorsed candidates in competitive House seats to earn that designation. Last week, Nate Silver rated FL-07 as the second most competitive House race in the country and forecasts that the race will be decided by a slim 0.2% margin.