Doctors, nurses, scientists and engineers backed by 314 Action flipped four Republican-held districts on Tuesday, delivering a Democratic majority in Congress in NC-11, CO-08, VA-02, and NJ-07. In response, 314 Action President Shaughnessy Naughton released the following statement:
“314 Action candidates flipped the House because this was a healthcare election, and we elect outsiders who voters trust. Millions of Americans lost healthcare because of Trump, RFK Jr. and Republicans in Congress, and on Tuesday—voters answered by electing a new wave of doctors and scientists to Washington. This proves that STEM candidates are better positioned than any other candidate to win battleground races.”
“The road to a Democratic majority ran through doctors, nurses, scientists and engineers,” said 314 Action President Shaughnessy Naughton. “Our success led to the creation of the Congressional Democratic Doctors’ Caucus and in 2026, we’ll add at least four new members who will shape the future of health policy in America. In January, they will get to work on policies that lower the drivers of healthcare cost and expand access, protect vaccines and research funding, and hold this corrupt administration accountable.”
314 Action Fund invested more than $30 million across battleground races this cycle, tripling its 2024 investment. Endorsed candidates who have flipped Republican seats so far include:
- NC-11: Jamie Ager (farmer and environmental scientist) defeated Republican Jennifer Balkcom to decisively flip an R+5 district. (Race Rating: Lean Dem, Cook PVI: R+5, Cook Political Report)
- NJ-07: Rebecca Bennett (Veteran & Healthcare executive) defeated Republican incumbent Rep. Tom Kean Jr. (Race Rating: Lean Dem, PVI: Even, Cook Political Report)
- CO-08: Manny Rutinel (Microbiologist and environmental attorney) defeated Republican incumbent Gabe Evans. (Race Rating: Lean Dem, PVI: Even, Cook Political Report)
- VA-02: Elaine Luria (nuclear engineer) defeated Rep. Jen Kiggans in a closely watched Virginia battleground rematch. (Race Rating: Toss Up, PVI: Even, Cook Political Report)
These candidates join three newly elected 314 Action Fund members who won open Democratic seats, including Jasmine Clark, PhD (GA-13)—the first Black female PhD scientist elected to Congress, Daniel Biss, PhD (IL-09), and Dr. Adam Hamawy (NJ-12).