Stand Up for Science backs Kristina Knickerbocker in Ohio House race

Stand Up for Science has endorsed Kristina Knickerbocker, a U.S. Air Force veteran and oncology nurse practitioner running in Ohio’s 10th Congressional District. The group says the endorsement is meant to support candidates who will defend public health, research and evidence-based policymaking ahead of the 2026 midterms.

Why it matters: - Stand Up for Science is using its congressional endorsements to push a pro-science message into the 2026 midterms. - The group says Knickerbocker would help protect public health, research and scientific integrity in Congress. - The endorsement adds to a broader effort to replace anti-science members of Congress in 2027.

What happened: - Stand Up for Science endorsed Kristina Knickerbocker, who is running in Ohio’s 10th Congressional District. - The announcement came Oct. 20, 2026. - Knickerbocker is a U.S. Air Force veteran, oncology nurse practitioner and mother. - The group said the endorsement recognizes her support for evidence-based policymaking, government accountability and healthcare access.

The details: - Knickerbocker’s platform includes protecting healthcare access for all in a system that puts people first. - Her other priorities include ending corruption in Washington, making life more affordable, creating safer communities and serving veterans. - Stand Up for Science says its endorsements identify candidates who will preserve scientific freedom and integrity and keep political and ideological influence out of the scientific process. - The group said endorsements are awarded after a careful vetting process. - Stand Up for Science had already announced a separate slate of congressional endorsements earlier in October. - Dr. Colette Delawalla, founder and CEO of Stand Up for Science, said Knickerbocker’s people-first platform would make her a strong and sensible voice in Washington. - Vincent Vertuccio, a spokesperson for Stand Up for Science, said Knickerbocker is the candidate to defeat an incumbent tied to Donald Trump’s attacks on science. - Vertuccio said Ohio voters have had enough after attacks on cancer research, universities and jobs. - Vertuccio said Knickerbocker is leading in the polls.

Between the lines: - Stand Up for Science is trying to turn support for science into a political litmus test in the House races. - The endorsement language ties local congressional politics to a larger fight over federal science policy, research funding and public trust. - The organization is also signaling that it wants to be seen as an election-cycle player, not just an advocacy group.

What’s next: - Stand Up for Science said Delawalla and Vertuccio are available for comment and media appearances. - The group is expected to continue rolling out endorsements as the 2026 midterm campaign advances. - A Knickerbocker victory would, in the group’s view, help build a pro-science majority in Congress.

The bottom line: - Stand Up for Science is betting that science policy, healthcare and anti-corruption messaging can help power Knickerbocker’s run in Ohio’s 10th District.