Meet the Doctors and Scientists Who Won in the Midterms
These midterm winners know the health-care system from the inside—and want to help fix it.
In the recent midterm elections, several doctors and scientists won political seats, bringing their medical and scientific expertise to government. Three notable winners include Dr. Abdul El-Sayed, a pediatrician from South Carolina; Dr. Jasmine Clark, a microbiologist from Georgia; and Dr. Amy Acton, a former Ohio state epidemiologist now running for governor.
Dr. El-Sayed, who will become Michigan's U.S. senator, has a background in researching childhood asthma and gunshot wound aftermath. His experience in healthcare led him to withdraw from a residency program and pursue public health instead. If elected, El-Sayed plans to support Medicare for All, reverse Medicaid cuts, and strengthen vaccine access.
Dr. Jasmine Clark, a professor at Emory University, won a seat in the Georgia legislature. She emphasizes the importance of explaining complex scientific concepts to the general public. Clark's campaign focuses on increasing research funding and reversing the negative impacts of Elon Musk's policies on government spending.
Dr. Amy Acton, Ohio's incoming governor, brings her experience in epidemiology to her political career. After losing her gubernatorial bid in 2018, Acton returned to her role as a state epidemiologist. Her priorities include reversing Medicaid cuts, protecting rural hospitals, and ensuring access to affordable prescription drugs.
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