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Former USDA climate scientist becomes latest Dem to challenge Kean
Megan O’Rourke, a former national science liaison for climate change at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, became the latest Democrat to announce a bid for Congress in New Jersey’s competitive 7th district.
O’Rourke announced her campaign on Thursday; the New Jersey Globe reported last week she might pursue a bid. O’Rourke said she quit her job as the USDA’s lead climate scientist earlier this year because of the Trump Administration’s “aggressive attacks” on her work and climate-related science.
“My entire career, I’ve fought to help put nutritious, affordable food on the table and to combat climate change for families in New Jersey, and the Trump Administration is working to undermine and devastate those efforts on a daily basis,” O’Rourke said in a release. “I took an oath to uphold the Constitution when I joined federal service and unfortunately, but unsurprisingly, my time serving the public as a climate scientist has come to an end. But, I am excited to fight for New Jersey families here at home in a new way: by running for Congress.”
The scientist joins a crowded field to take on Rep. Tom Kean Jr. (R-Westfield). Other Democrats in the race include former U.S. Navy helicopter pilot Rebecca Bennett; former Biden administration official Michael Roth; businessman Brian Varela; physician and former Obama and Biden administration official Tina Shah; former Summit Councilman Greg Vartan; and attorney Vale Mendoza. The 7th congressional district is expected to be among the most competitive districts in the country next year.
O’Rourke grew up in Blairstown and has earned degrees from Stony Brook University, Iowa State University, and Cornell University. She worked as a Brookings congressional fellow and senior adviser to Rep. Chellie Pingree of Maine. At the USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture, O’Rourke led climate change science and oversaw a $200 million budget, according to her announcement. She also worked as a union steward for the American Federation of Government Employees while working at the USDA.
She said that at many points in her life, she lived below the poverty line and relied on programs like Medicaid and WIC.
“I grew up in a family of six in Blairstown and my Mom worked hard to support us, but we still struggled financially. I’d go to the office with my Mom on weekends so she could work overtime, my family had a cleaning gig where I was in charge of bathrooms, and there were points in my life where I counted on Medicaid and food assistance to make ends meet.
She criticized Kean’s vote for the GOP’s tax and spending cuts bill, which is expected to knock hundreds of thousands of New Jerseyans off Medicaid and food stamps, as well as lower tax bills for many.
“So, it’s infuriating and hurtful to see members of Congress like Tom Kean, Jr. vote to rip away affordable healthcare through Medicaid and cut food assistance — all while increasing our debt to pad the pockets of the very rich,” she said. “I’ve always fought to make lives better for workers and families, and when I’m in Congress my neighbors and constituents will never have to wonder where I am or if I have their back.”
Kean, the son of former Gov. Thomas H. Kean, served as minority leader of the New Jersey State Senate before he unseated former Rep. Tom Malinowski in 2022 by three percentage points. Kean held the seat by five points in 2024. Malinowski, now the chair of the Hunterdon County Democrats, will not challenge Kean, but is instead looking at a run in the 11th district, should Rep. Mikie Sherrill (D-Montclair) win the governor’s race this November.
The post Former USDA climate scientist becomes latest Dem to challenge Kean appeared first on New Jersey Globe.
