The Path to Democratic Majorities in AZ, MI and WI — and Holding Minnesota — Runs Through STEM Candidates
314 Action Fund has now endorsed over 500 Democratic scientists, doctors, and STEM professionals running for state and local office in 2026.
It is the largest endorsement slate in 314 Action’s history as record numbers of STEM candidates step up to run in 46 out of 50 states. Candidates across the country are mobilizing to run for office as Robert F. Kennedy Jr. dismantles public health agencies, elevates conspiracy theorists to key posts, and continues to undermine vaccine policy amid the worst measles outbreak in decades.
“More than 500 scientists, doctors, and engineers are on the ballot this year, and together they are part of a new wave of Democratic scientists running this cycle to replace anti-science Republicans with trusted messengers. 314 Action is proud to support a record-breaking class of candidates running for state and local office this cycle, investing in these candidates is a downpayment on our future,” said Shaughnessy Naughton, President of 314 Action.
Of the 504 endorsed candidates running for state and local office this cycle:
- 370 endorsees are state legislative candidates
- 185 endorsees are first-time candidates
- 118 endorsees are state legislative candidates who are doctors, nurses or public health professionals
The 2026 slate includes endorsements for candidates running in tipping point districts that could change the balance of power in key states for Democrats including Arizona, Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin:
- Dr Amelia Gallitano-Mendel (AZ-LD-02) is running in Arizona Legislative District 2. This is the best chance Democrats have had in decades to flip the legislature in Arizona for the first time in nearly three decades. Democrats need to flip four seats to secure a Democratic majority. Dr. Gallitano is a PhD neuroscientist and professor at the University of Arizona College of Medicine.
- 314 Action has endorsed STEM candidates running in two of the most competitive seats in the Michigan House: Anna Aho Rink (MI HD-109) is physician assistant and Dr Shannon Dare Wayne (MI HD-31) is a PhD engineer. Democrats need to flip four seats to secure a Democratic majority in the chamber. The path to taking back Michigan House runs through 314 Action candidates.
- Rob Kupec (MN SD-04) is a meteorologist running for Minnesota Senate District 4, a seat that he won by 6 points in 2022. This is a battleground district on the map in 2026 and critical to holding the one-seat Democratic majority in the Minnesota Senate.
- In Wisconsin, 314 Action endorsed candidates are running to flip two red-to-blue seats to win back the majority, including Kevin Knoke (WI AD-30) and Jeremiah Frederickson (WI HD-92). Democrats need to win five seats in the State Assembly and 2 seats in the State Senate to secure a Democratic majority.
“With the leadership void at HHS and the elevation of conspiracy theorists by the White House, it is more important than ever to elect pro-science candidates in statehouses across the country to provide clear and accurate public health guidance and enact evidence-based policies,“ added Naughton.