Stand Up for Science backs Dan Barrios in Texas’ 32nd District

Stand Up for Science has endorsed Richardson City Councilman Dan Barrios in Texas’ 32nd Congressional District ahead of the 2026 midterms. The group says the endorsement is aimed at helping elect pro-science lawmakers who will defend public health, research and evidence-based policymaking.

Why it matters: - Stand Up for Science is using its endorsement program to support candidates it sees as defenders of science, public health and democratic institutions. - The organization says Barrios could help replace anti-science members of Congress and contribute to a pro-science majority after the 2026 elections. - The endorsement also signals that science policy remains a campaign issue in a district Democrats and Republicans will target.

What happened: - Stand Up for Science announced an endorsement of Dan Barrios, who is running for Congress in Texas’ 32nd Congressional District. - Barrios is a lifelong Texas resident and serves on the Richardson City Council. - The announcement came Oct. 21, 2026. - The group said Barrios supports protecting public health and research, evidence-based policymaking and government accountability.

The details: - Barrios’ stated priorities include taxes and affordability, restoring trust and accountability, and improving access to quality public education and healthcare. - Barrios also wants to address rural challenges, including access to hospitals and pharmacies, underfunded schools and policies that support Texas ranchers and farmers. - Stand Up for Science said its endorsement tells voters a candidate will preserve scientific freedom and integrity and keep political and ideological pressure out of the scientific process. - The group said endorsements are awarded after a careful vetting process. - Stand Up for Science previously announced a slate of congressional endorsements earlier in October. - Dr. Colette Delawalla, founder and CEO of Stand Up for Science, said Barrios’ focus on public service, public education, STEM and accountability fits the organization’s values. - Vincent Vertuccio, a spokesperson for Stand Up for Science, said candidates like Barrios are helping expand the map and could be key to a pro-science majority.

Between the lines: - The endorsement frames Barrios as part of a broader political fight over science, government trust and the role of federal policy in public health and research. - The organization is also trying to turn science advocacy into electoral organizing, not just issue messaging. - The reference to Donald Trump’s “war on science” shows the group is positioning the race within a larger partisan argument.

What's next: - Delawalla and Vertuccio said they are available for comment and media appearances. - Stand Up for Science is expected to keep rolling out endorsements as the 2026 campaign continues. - The race for Texas’ 32nd Congressional District will be one of the seats to watch as groups try to shape the next Congress.

The bottom line: - Stand Up for Science is making Barrios a test case for whether pro-science messaging can help win a competitive House race.