PHILADELPHIA — Today, 314 Action Fund announced its endorsement of Dr. Asif Mahmood in the race to represent California’s fortieth congressional district. Dr. Mahmood has served as a leader in Southern California for over twenty years as a physician and as a nonprofit and philanthropy leader. In 2018, 314 Action Fund was proud to support Dr. Mahmood for California Insurance Commissioner in his first campaign for public office.
After redistricting, CA-40 has proven one of the most competitive seats for Democrats ahead of the 2022 midterm elections and a unique opportunity to unseat a Republican incumbent. The district’s race is rated at R+2 by the Cook Political Report as of late February.
“For more than two decades, Dr. Asif Mahmood has served as an exemplary community leader in Southern California who puts science and facts first,” said Shaughnessy Naughton, president of 314 Action. “Dr. Mahmood will ensure that the challenges facing Californian families are addressed in Congress, from access to affordable, high-quality health care to the harmful effects of offshore oil drilling.”
“I am honored to have the support of 314 Action,” said Dr. Asif Mahmood, candidate for California’s fortieth congressional district. “As a physician, I have worked with thousands of patients to overcome health challenges and lead richer lives. But in Congress, too many politicians are focused on scoring political points — not solving families’ problems. I’m running for Congress, because families in our district deserve a representative who will follow the facts — not the party line.”
314 Action recently launched a $10 million, cycle-long advocacy campaign focused on engaging voters on critical science issues — including climate change, health care, and the pandemic response — and holding anti-science public figures accountable. Additionally, 314 Action has engaged its base of six million grassroots members to push for pro-science legislation at the federal and state levels.
ABOUT DR. ASIF MAHMOOD:
Dr. Asif Mahmood is a pulmonologist and doctor of internal medicine. He and his family have lived in Southern California since 1999.
Asif has based his life’s work on a single principle taught to him by his parents: that helping others is our highest calling.
He grew up thousands of miles and a world away, in a small crowded home in a remote village in rural Pakistan. After receiving his medical degree, Asif moved to America, and later California, to practice medicine.
Asif has treated thousands of patients in Southern California over the last twenty years: patients in the ER, critical care, inpatients, and as they leave the hospital. Asif has made it a rule in his practice — if a patient doesn’t have insurance, his office won’t ask for payment.
He enters the race with 8 Congressional endorsements and 3 California statewide officeholders, as well as the endorsement of Irvine’s mayor. In 2018, Asif ran for insurance commissioner, raising more than $2.3 million for the race. He is in a strong position to take on Congresswoman Young Kim.
In addition to his work as a physician, Asif has been a leader in non-profit and philanthropic organizations across Southern California. He has played leading roles in philanthropic efforts for non-profit organizations like UNICEF and volunteers at a free clinic. He serves on the California Medical Board and on the board of the Valley Rescue Mission, the largest homeless shelter in Southern California. He is also the chair of the Organization for Social Media Safety that fights cyber-bullying and cyber-exploitation of children.
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314 Action Fund is powered by a grassroots community of over six million people working to elect scientists, doctors, and STEM professionals who will use science and facts to address our most pressing issues like climate change and health care. In 2018 and 2020, we played a pivotal role in flipping the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate, electing eleven Democratic scientists to federal office, as well as in helping over 100 statewide, state legislative, and municipal candidates win their races. In 2022, 314 Action Fund will continue working to elect science leaders and defeat climate deniers in Congress and legislatures across the country.
