While control of the U.S. Senate and House remain unknown at this hour, there were significant wins on the part of Democrats and climate champions showing threats of a “red wave” to be more of a puddle. 350 Action, the electoral wing of 350.org, as well as the electoral wings of many 350 climate local groups, engaged our base in get out the vote efforts on behalf of key climate champions across the country. Wins include John Fetterman securing his Senate seat in Pennsylvania, Maggie Hassan securing Senate seat for New Hampshire, Governor Tony Evers winning in Wisconsin, and Gretchen Whitmer for Governor of Michigan. Minnesota’s State Senate also flipped blue, a significant victory for Minnesota organizers.
Georgia’s Senate race between Raphael Warnock and Herschel Walker looks set to go to a December 6th runoff. The U.S. Senate race in Wisconsin between Mandela Barnes (D) and Ron Johnson (R ) remains too close to call.
May Boeve, 350 Action executive director made the following statement:
“We know that a large majority of Americans care about climate change, and we’re glad to see some key climate champions win at the national and state level. The gains made are testament to people power, to the community led efforts and mass mobilization of voters across key states who got out the vote in every way possible. As midterm results continue to come in, it is a huge relief to see that the outcomes to date gives us breathing room to implement real climate solutions and ensure that the historic climate legislation that was passed in August – the Inflation Reduction Act – can be implemented to advance the U.S. into the renewable energy economy and protect our communities from further devastating climate impacts. Many states can still prioritize and take advantage of the Act to radically transform the US energy sector, through investment in sustainable renewables such as community solar projects.
“The ultimate message these midterm results are sending is that we can and must move forward the important work of advocating for more bold climate action. There is still a lot of work to be done. On the executive level, President Biden needs to declare a Climate Emergency and stop fossil fuel expansion now. Doing so would show true leadership in the US, and globally at COP27s. With the UN Climate Talks in full swing, Biden must take steps to confirm the U.S. commitment to climate action on the global scale.
“It may be weeks before we see the final results of who controls the House and Senate. The climate crisis however continues whatever the final midterm election results. With the outcomes we have, there’s still a lot that can be done at the local and state level in many places across the country. Our communities, and the organizers and leaders who were forged in this election, will work hard to ensure we take full advantage of the opportunities presented through these midterms and organize harder than ever for our people and the climate.”
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ABOUT 350 ACTION: 350 Action is empowering voters across the country to make a direct impact in the most important climate races in the nation. From local elections that can determine the fate of proposed fossil fuel projects, to House races which could help wrestle control of Congress back from climate deniers and oil industry puppets, 350 Action is lifting up climate progressive candidates. Find out more about our work at www.350action.org.