In his quest to become the running mate for Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris, Arizona Senator Mark Kelly has gained a significant endorsement from the 314 Action Fund. This grassroots organization is dedicated to electing STEM professionals who are committed to addressing climate change and healthcare.

Shaughnessy Naughton, the president of the 314 Action Fund, praised Kelly for his reliance on facts, science, and data when making public policy decisions. Naughton emphasized Kelly's ability to energize the base, win swing voters, and make a profound impact on the race.

This endorsement comes just three days after Kelly showcased his Navy pilot experience as a not-so-subtle pitch to join Harris' campaign. The race for Harris' running mate is highly competitive, with top Democrats across the country vying for TV and radio spots to prove their capabilities in supporting the vice president's campaign.

Prominent Democrats such as Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, and North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper have all made their presence felt in their campaign efforts for Harris.

Kelly holds a distinctive position among potential running mates, as he is currently the only member of Congress being seriously considered for the Democratic ticket. However, there are challenges he must overcome. Being the senator of a swing state, selecting him as Harris' running mate could result in a special election that could open up his congressional seat to Republicans.

Furthermore, Kelly faced criticism from major unions and progressives due to his previous opposition to the PRO ACT, a piece of legislation that aims to simplify the process of starting and organizing unions. However, Kelly reversed his stance on the Act on Tuesday, realizing that his initial position could affect his standing as a frontrunner for the vice presidential slot.

As the race for Harris' running mate progresses, Kelly's endorsement from the 314 Action Fund brings him one step closer to achieving his ambition of being by Harris' side on the campaign trail. The support from this grassroots organization demonstrates his commitment to scientific-based policymaking and his ability to energize voters across the political spectrum.