Winning formula? Pro-scientist PAC backs Bale Dalton, Shevrin Jones

A pro-science political action committee is rallying support for two Democrats running for Florida congressional seats: Bale Dalton and Shevrin Jones.

The group 314 Action is endorsing Dalton as he runs to upset GOP U.S. Rep. Cory Mills in Florida’s 7th Congressional District. The organization is also backing Jones, a candidate to succeed retiring Democratic U.S. Rep. Frederica Wilson in Florida’s 24th Congressional District. Both Jones and Dalton face Democratic Primaries in August before advancing to a November General Election.

According to its website, 314 Action is dedicated to recruiting and supporting candidates for Congress who have a background in science.

Dalton previously served as the top hire for NASA Administrator Bill Nelson, who has also endorsed his candidacy. Officials with 314 Action say that background will inform decisions in Congress.

“As a decorated Navy Captain and NASA’s former Chief of Staff, Bale Dalton dedicated his life to protecting and serving Americans and advancing scientific innovation. Now, Bale Dalton is running to protect and serve Floridians in the 7th Congressional District and replace Cory Mills,” said Shaughnessy Naughton, 314 Action President.

“As an accomplished leader, veteran and champion for space exploration, Dalton ran one of the most effective federal agencies — helping lead discoveries at NASA to ensure America remains a superpower in science, space and innovation. Voters in Florida’s 7th Congressional District deserve better than Cory Mills, that’s why we’re proud to endorse Bale Dalton. We look forward to supporting his campaign to flip this district in November.”

Dalton welcomed the support as he runs in a battleground district.

“For too long, Cory Mills has turned his back on this district to fight his own battles, while Florida families face higher costs and attacks on their freedom — but I’m running to change that,” Dalton said.

“I got into the race because our district deserves better. With Social Security, Medicaid and Medicare on the chopping block, I’m running to fight to ensure Floridians get the benefits they have earned and restore access to affordable healthcare. I’m proud to be endorsed by 314 Action who understand the importance of electing pro-science leaders.”

Jones taught Advanced Placement Chemistry before his election to the Florida Legislature, giving him the science background to earn 314 Action’s support.

“In many ways, Florida is the laboratory for the most extreme attacks on science, vaccines and MAHA policies. In the Florida Senate, Senator Shevrin Jones has been a leading Democratic voice opposing the DeSantis administration’s attacks on science and healthcare for all Floridians,” Naughton said.

“As a former A.P. chemistry teacher, legislator, and leader, Senator Jones has spent his career standing up for science and fighting back against threats to public health. He’ll bring that same fight to Congress, working to restore healthcare for millions of Floridians who depend on Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act. 314 Action was proud to endorse Senator Jones during his State Senate campaign in 2020 and we look forward to supporting him again in the race for Florida’s 24th Congressional District.”

Jones said he’s ready to tackle the assignment.

“I’m proud to once again be supported by 314 Action, the only national organization working to elect pro-science candidates to office,” Jones said.

“Floridians are feeling the impact of the Trump administration’s devastating economic agenda every day. The Sunshine State has been hit the hardest by the affordability crisis — from rising healthcare costs to skyrocketing grocery bills and gas prices. I’ve never been afraid to take on MAGA extremists, and that’s the same fight I’ll take to Congress. I’ve spent my entire career making decisions based on the facts—not ideology. I’m ready to serve the 24th Congressional District with the fresh perspective and common sense leadership voters deserve.”