Kathryn Allen, MD, a family medicine physician from Utah, was catapulted into the national spotlight after declaring to run for a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives — one that will be abandoned by Republican Jason Chaffetz, chairman of the oversight committee.
Dr. Allen's candidacy — which has been covered by Vogue and USA Today, among other media outlets — gained momentum after Rep. Chaffetz held a heated town hall. "I came away from that meeting feeling like [Rep. Chaffetz] was a poor public servant who was out of touch with his constituents," Dr. Allen told USA Today.
When Rep. Chaffetz said Americans may simply have to choose between getting an iPhone or health insurance in an interview with CNN, the move helped solidify Dr. Allen's candidacy, according to USA Today. Rep. Chaffetz announced this week he plans to return to the private sector, putting what Politico called a "fast-rising political career," on hold. While his district is considered a Republican stronghold, according to Politico, healthcare and issues surrounding ACA repeal may help Dr. Allen, who is a Democrat, flip the seat.
"More medically trained people are needed in government. Congress is ailing and we have a prescription," Dr. Allen is quoted saying in Vogue. "The democratic protections we have taken for granted are under threat … truth is flat-lining and needs CPR. There is an objective reality out there, and, as a woman of science, I intend to protect that reality."
Dr. Allen previously owned a private practice, before selling it and working in a clinic for Utah Transit Authority staff, according to Vogue.
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