Virginians Vote for Clean Energy Champions on Election Day

Today, the clean energy advocacy group Counterspark celebrated the electoral victories of nearly all of the candidates it supported this election cycle. Counterspark invested more than $600,000 in Virginia elections this cycle in support of 10 swing seat candidates. Counterspark’s efforts resulted in a resounding success, with 9 of those candidates winning their races, helping to flip the statewide seats and expand the clean energy majority in the House of Delegates.  

“In overwhelming numbers, voters sent an undeniable message that they want leaders with a clear vision and a plan for addressing the affordability crisis,” said Kim Jemaine, Managing Director of Counterspark.

The Trump Administration is working to stall clean energy progress and is instead wasting billions on subsidies for expensive and highly polluting coal and natural gas sources. This dirty energy agenda directly contradicts what voters need right now – affordability.

“The rising cost of living and growing demand for energy in Virginia creates a pressing problem for our state leaders. What we need now are leaders who are willing to find and deliver solutions,” added Jemaine. “We can decarbonize the energy sector, meet growing demand and lower energy bills. We have the tools ready to go right now to reduce air pollution and keep the lights on: from solar and wind, to modern electricity lines, tools that reduce wasted energy, and innovative batteries. These technologies are the smartest and most affordable solutions at our disposal.

This election cycle, winning candidates leaned in on clean energy as a tool to reign in rising costs. With a new governor who ran on clean energy, and healthy majority in the legislature, Democrats in Virginia now have a mandate to meet the moment and deliver on a clean, affordable energy agenda.