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Wins for Some Scientist-Candidates

A number of candidates in the US midterm elections with science backgrounds have won their races, Nature News reports.

Earlier this year, the Huffington Post reported that more than 60 researchers or technologists were seeking political office, though not all made it beyond the primary stage. Late last month, Science reported that 18 scientist-candidates were still on the ballot, some with good odds of winning and some as long shots.

Nature News now reports that at least four of these candidates have won. Elaine Luria (D-Va.), a Navy veteran and nuclear engineer won a House of Representatives seat; Chrissy Houlahan (D-Penn.), an industrial engineer and business executive also won a House seat; as did Lauren Underwood (D-Ill.), a nurse with a master's degree in health policy; and Sean Casten (D-Ill.), a chemical engineer and entrepreneur.

Their wins, Nature News adds, contributed to Democrats retaking the House, which will lead to committee leadership changes. "It is going to change the dialogue in Washington, and will certainly change the dynamic around science and the environment," Elizabeth Gore from the advocacy group the Environmental Defense Fund tells it.