Scientists Running for Office: Bringing Science to Politics
In a recent primary election, a physicist and science educator decided to take on the challenge of running for office. Ramón Barthelemy, a physics and astronomy education researcher at the University of Utah, ran for a seat in the Utah House of Representatives to represent District 24. His opponent was a 15-year incumbent, Joel Briscoe, in a bid to represent over 43,000 residents of Salt Lake City.
Barthelemy’s campaign focused on the importance of science education and literacy in his district. He believed that his background as a scientist could help improve access to STEM education, enhance local air quality, and inspire local students to pursue careers in STEM fields. He emphasized the critical need for scientists to be actively engaged in the political process, especially in addressing technical and scientific challenges that affect society.
This year, more than 200 STEM professionals, like Barthelemy, are running for various state and municipal offices, marking a significant increase in scientists seeking political positions. While national races often dominate headlines, down-ballot races play a crucial role in shaping policies that impact people’s daily lives and how federal policies are implemented at the local or state level.
Issues such as climate change, pollution, ethical technology development, energy independence, public health, and space exploration require a partnership between scientists and politicians to develop effective solutions. Scientists are increasingly choosing to enter the political arena to bring their expertise and problem-solving skills to legislative decision-making processes.
The decision to run for office varies among scientists, with some driven by a lifelong commitment to public service, while others are motivated by a desire to address climate change and other pressing issues with science-based solutions. Many scientists, including Barthelemy, are concerned about the growing anti-science and anti-education sentiments in the country and see political office as a platform to combat these challenges.
Shaughnessy Naughton, a chemist and founder of 314 Action, a political action fund supporting scientists running for office, emphasizes the importance of having scientists at the governing table to address a wide range of issues effectively. Scientists like Jess Phoenix, a volcanologist and science advocate, believe that science should be at the forefront of public policy decisions and that evidence-based decision-making is crucial in today’s political landscape.
The lack of action on climate change was a driving force for Naughton to run for office in Pennsylvania’s 8th District in 2014. Scientists entering politics bring a unique perspective and skill set that can contribute to more informed and science-driven policy-making at all levels of government. Their presence in legislative chambers can amplify the voice of science in shaping policies that address complex challenges facing society. The lack of progress on critical issues such as climate change, gun violence, and healthcare in the United States has prompted scientists to step up and run for political office. Dr. Naughton, for example, was alarmed by attempts to repeal the Affordable Care Act and the failure to combat gun violence after the Sandy Hook Elementary School massacre in 2012. She believed that evidence-based solutions exist to address these challenges and that policymakers needed to prioritize science-based solutions.
Similarly, Dr. Phoenix was motivated to run for office after the election of Donald Trump and his administration’s perceived efforts to undermine science. She was particularly concerned about the administration’s stance on climate change and its impact on public health and the environment. Although her campaign for a seat in the U.S. House was unsuccessful, she has continued to advocate for science-based policies as an ambassador for the Union of Concerned Scientists.
Dr. Larsen, who served as Nederland’s mayor and is currently a town trustee, got involved in politics early on and has been active in his community. He believes that scientists, along with individuals from diverse backgrounds, should be represented in government to bring a range of perspectives to decision-making processes.
In today’s politically divided nation, science has become more politicized than ever, with issues such as climate change, COVID-19, and the space race at the forefront of public discourse. Scientist-candidates like Ben Dewell, a meteorologist, have found that their research-based approach is a strength when addressing complex issues that require data-driven solutions.
Dewell, who ran for office in California’s 20th District, emphasized the importance of his scientific background in analyzing issues and making informed decisions. While his congressional campaign was unsuccessful, he continues to serve on the board of the Eastern Kern Air Pollution Control District and is running for a seat on the Kern County Board of Supervisors in a November special election.
Overall, scientists who have entered the political arena are working to bridge the gap between science and policy, advocating for evidence-based solutions to address pressing challenges facing the nation. Their expertise and commitment to data-driven decision-making offer a unique perspective that can help inform policies that benefit society as a whole. As a scientist, my ballot designation still includes the word ‘scientist.’ This designation has been an important part of my identity and has played a significant role in my political career. I have always believed that my background in science gives me a unique perspective and a valuable set of skills that can benefit my constituents and the community at large.
One of the key advantages of having ‘scientist’ in my ballot designation is the trust and credibility that it brings. In a time when trust in institutions and public figures is low, being a scientist can help to build trust with voters. People often see scientists as truth-tellers, honest brokers, and experts in their field. This is what they want from their elected leaders, and having a scientist in office can help to bridge the gap between the scientific community and the general public.
My experience as a scientist has also allowed me to engage with constituents on familiar ground. In my district, which is home to many scientific institutions, including the Colorado School of Mines and the National Center for Atmospheric Research, being a scientist has helped me connect with voters who value science and expertise. Despite the growing distrust of science in some circles, there is still a strong level of trust in scientists among swing voters, which bodes well for the future of our country and for scientific candidates like myself.
However, entering the political arena as a scientist is not without its challenges. Many scientists face negative pushback from their peers when they decide to run for office. Running a campaign and holding office can be time-consuming and financially demanding, which can deter early-career scientists, those seeking tenure, primary earners in their households, and those facing bias due to their identity.
Despite these challenges, there is a growing appetite among scientists, especially the younger generation, to get involved in politics. Organizations like 314 Action have helped to support and elect scientists to public office at all levels of government. By providing scientists with the tools, resources, and knowledge base needed to run successful campaigns, we can ensure that the voice of science is represented in our political system.
In conclusion, my ballot designation as a scientist has been a valuable asset in my political career. It has helped me to build trust with voters, connect with constituents on familiar ground, and bridge the gap between the scientific community and the general public. As a scientist, I am committed to using my expertise and skills to serve my community and make a positive impact on the world around me. Bell was able to use his knowledge of geology and seismic activity to understand the situation and advocate for the homeowner in a way that others could not. This is just one example of how a scientist’s expertise can be valuable in the political arena.
Additionally, scientists bring a unique perspective to policymaking. They are trained to think critically, analyze data, and make evidence-based decisions. This approach can be incredibly valuable when crafting laws and policies that affect the health, safety, and well-being of communities.
Moreover, scientists are often skilled at communicating complex information in a way that is easily understandable to the public. This ability to translate scientific concepts into layman’s terms can be invaluable when explaining the rationale behind certain policies or advocating for specific solutions to complex problems.
In today’s increasingly complex world, where science and technology play a critical role in shaping our future, having scientists in positions of power can be a game-changer. They bring a unique perspective, a commitment to evidence-based decision-making, and a passion for making the world a better place through their expertise.
Ultimately, while the decision to enter politics as a scientist is a personal one, it is clear that the intersection of science and politics is an important one. By bringing their scientific expertise to the governing chambers, scientists can play a crucial role in shaping policies that address some of the most pressing challenges of our time. Living in a neighborhood with unique geology can present a greater risk of seismic damage, as explained by a local expert. The specific geological characteristics of an area can make it more susceptible to earthquakes and other natural disasters. This is something that residents need to be aware of and take precautions for.
Scientists who transition into political roles often find that their general scientific training serves them well in office. Skills such as critical thinking, independent learning, collaboration, and teaching others are invaluable in the political arena. These skills allow scientists to approach complex issues with a well-rounded perspective and make informed decisions.
For example, Larsen, a former mayor, used his scientific background to advocate for wildfire and climate resilience in his town. Despite not having direct expertise in these areas, his analytical skills and ability to ask tough questions were instrumental in addressing these critical issues. His efforts gained recognition from political campaigns and allowed him to serve as a climate adviser.
Similarly, Bell, another scientist turned politician, used his research skills to challenge industry propaganda surrounding a proposed natural gas pipeline expansion. His ability to distinguish between reliable and unreliable information helped him push back against false claims and advocate for the best interests of his constituents.
Titone, a former scientist in office, highlighted the importance of being a generalist when making science- and data-driven decisions. Understanding complex scientific issues and being able to communicate them effectively to colleagues and constituents is crucial for enacting meaningful policies.
U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper emphasized the value of having scientists in government to deepen the understanding of technical topics and promote a facts-first approach to decision-making. Scientists bring a unique perspective to policy discussions and can help bridge partisan divides on issues that require evidence-based solutions.
While scientists bring valuable skills to the political arena, they also face challenges when crafting technical policies that consider equity, cost, and feasibility. Balancing scientific expertise with other factors is essential for implementing effective solutions and making progress on complex issues.
Ultimately, being in public office is about serving the community and finding ways to collaborate and cooperate with others to achieve common goals. Scientists in politics must navigate political dynamics and find compromises that benefit as many people as possible. This requires a shift from adversarial thinking to a more collaborative approach to problem-solving.
Despite the challenges, scientists who enter politics have the opportunity to be champions for science and advocate for evidence-based decision-making. By engaging in public discourse and promoting scientific literacy, they can raise awareness about the importance of science in policymaking and contribute to shaping a more informed society. Science is a fundamental aspect of human civilization, driving progress and innovation in countless ways. From the discovery of fire to the invention of the wheel, and from the development of vaccines to the exploration of outer space, science has played a pivotal role in shaping the world we live in today.
One of the key principles underlying science is the concept of observation and experimentation. Scientists carefully observe natural phenomena, formulate hypotheses to explain them, and then conduct experiments to test these hypotheses. This process allows for the accumulation of knowledge and the refinement of our understanding of the natural world.
Moreover, science is a collaborative endeavor that transcends borders and cultures. Scientists from around the globe work together to tackle some of the most pressing challenges facing humanity, such as climate change, disease outbreaks, and technological advancements. By sharing knowledge and resources, scientists can pool their expertise and drive progress forward.
In addition, science is inherently linked to ethics and morality. As we develop new technologies and make groundbreaking discoveries, we must consider the ethical implications of our work. For example, advances in genetic engineering raise questions about the potential consequences of altering the genetic code of living organisms. By engaging in thoughtful discussions and debates, scientists can ensure that their work benefits society as a whole.
Overall, science is a powerful tool that has the potential to transform the world for the better. By fostering a culture of curiosity, critical thinking, and collaboration, we can harness the power of science to address some of the most pressing challenges of our time. As we continue to push the boundaries of knowledge and innovation, science will remain a cornerstone of human progress and development.
