James Lewis Announces National, Pro-Science Endorsement

March 17th, 2021

AAlexandria, VA - Today, James Lewis, West End resident and candidate for City Council, announced the endorsement of 314 Action Fund. Created to elect more problem-solving scientists to public office, 314 Action Fund has an engaged grassroots network of over two million supporters working to promote scientific and data-driven policies.

“I’m honored and humbled by the endorsement of 314 Action Fund. Our policies should always be based on the best science and data because our actions today will have implications for decades to come,” said City Council candidate James Lewis. “As a member of City Council, I want to continue making Alexandria a more sustainable, inclusive and greener City.”

Since its founding four years ago, 314 Action Fund has helped elect eleven scientists to Congress and more than 100 state and local officials. The organization spent $25 million on behalf of endorsed candidates and raised $5 million in grassroots donations for scientists running for office in 2020. 

“Public servants with STEM backgrounds are needed at every level of government to fight for facts and make sure that problems are tackled with evidence-based solutions,” said Shaughnessy Naughton, President of 314 Action. “National crises can be averted with smart, local action. These nine STEM candidates will fight for science-based policies in their communities across the country.”

Lewis holds a Bachelor of Science in biology and international relations from the College of William and Mary. Most recently, he covered science policy as a senior Congressional staffer to a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee.

In addition to Lewis, 314 Action Fund endorsed eight other candidates for local office: Chaundra Bishop (Urbana, IL City Council), Bryan Cole (Milford, MA Planning Board), Yvonne Spicer (Mayor of Framingham, MA), Renee Howell (Tuckahoe, NY Board of Trustees), Gavi Begtrup (Mayor of Cincinnati, OH), Ana Sandoval (San Antonio, TX City Council), Patrick Heck (Madison, WI Common Council) and Regina Vidaver (Madison, WI Common Council).

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