350 Action has welcomed the overwhelming mandate for change delivered by voters in the US midterm elections, signalling growing public demand for political leadership that puts people, affordability and a liveable future ahead of billionaire interests.

Ahead of the elections 51 candidates from across the political spectrum signed 350 Action’s Energy Affordability Candidate Pledge, demonstrating how access to affordable energy has become a defining issue for voters and candidates alike. Voters also overwhelmingly endorsed a host of local ballot measures to rein in the expansion of energy and water guzzling data centers.

The results come at a critical moment for the United States, as communities face rising fuel and electricity bills, increasingly costly climate impacts and the growing influence of wealthy corporate interests over political decision-making.

The election results demonstrate that the fight for climate action is inseparable from the fight for economic security and democracy. Voters are demanding solutions to the pressures facing their households, including affordable, healthy energy, good jobs and democratically enacted guardrails on AI expansion.

Candice Fortin, Campaigns Manager at 350 Action, said:

“These results show that people want political leaders who will stand up for their communities, not simply protect the interests of tech barons and fossil fuel giants. Across the country, people are struggling with the cost of living, rising energy bills and the impacts of a climate crisis they did little to create. They want leaders who will make their lives better, deliver affordable clean energy and hold polluters accountable.

“Winning an election is only the beginning. These candidates must now turn their commitments into action, challenge fossil fuel and tech industry influence and deliver the change that communities are demanding.”

350 Action called on newly elected representatives to enact moratoriums on data centers that threaten our land, water and climate and push up energy bills, stop utility shut-offs, tax the excess profits of oil, gas and AI companies, and bring constituents the cheapest and healthiest sources of electricity now available – such as solar and wind.

ENDS

Notes to editors:

350 Action mobilizes progressive voters, gets climate champions elected, holds fossil-fueled politicians accountable, supports frontline partners, trains young movement leaders – and much more. Know more at: https://350action.org/