314 Action Fund congratulates Rebecca Bennett on her victory in New Jersey’s 7th Congressional District, defeating Republican Representative Tom Kean Jr. A chemical engineer and former Navy test pilot, Bennett takes back a seat Republicans flipped in 2022. In response, 314 Action President Shaughnessy Naughton released the following statement:
“Congratulations to Rebecca Bennett on flipping New Jersey’s 7th District,” said Shaughnessy Naughton, President of 314 Action. “Congresswoman-elect Bennett’s win shows that scientists can take back battleground seats that will decide the House majority. Tom Kean Jr. was the deciding vote to gut Medicaid and failed to stand up to an administration at war with science.”
“Rebecca Bennett was a test pilot for the Navy and later worked on innovative healthcare solutions to improve patient outcomes and lower costs. As America faces a healthcare crisis, a congresswoman who deeply understands this issue is exactly who New Jersey families need to represent them in Washington,” Naughton continued. “We’re proud to have supported her across the finish line, and we can’t wait to see her get to work.”
Bennett studied chemical engineering at Cornell on an ROTC scholarship before flying the MH-60 Seahawk for the Navy. Across more than 15 years in the Navy and the Air National Guard, she served as a helicopter pilot, experimental test pilot, and aircraft commander, and became just the 18th woman in American history to earn the title of U.S. Naval test pilot. After leaving active duty she moved into health care, working at companies from early-stage startups to the Fortune 50 to expand access and cut costs for patients.
Bennett joins a growing bloc of scientists and healthcare professionals in Congress backed by 314 Action, which works to elect leaders who will put evidence ahead of politics at every level of government. 314 Action Fund invested $482,000 in direct mail supporting former Navy test pilot and healthcare leader Rebecca Bennett.