'Expecting science to lead': An expert on viruses is NC's latest Senate candidate

WASHINGTON -- Richard Watkins has spent the last year explaining the coronavirus pandemic — from describing how a virus works to, currently, discussing vaccine efficacy and distribution — to groups of people around the state.

Now Watkins, a 36-year-old virologist and founder of The Science Policy Action Network, is hoping to take his scientific credentials and knowledge to the U.S. Senate.

Watkins announced his bid for the Democratic nomination this week, joining former state Sen. Erica Smith and state Sen. Jeff Jackson as announced Democratic candidates. U.S. Sen. Richard Burr is not running for reelection in 2022.

“People are expecting science to lead,” Watkins said Thursday in a video interview. “In regards to the coronavirus, I think we need to make different decisions. If there were more scientists in leadership positions, we’d be able to do that.”

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