CONTACT: Sarah Hersh-Walker, 510-759-2921, sarah@fcpcommunications.com
SACRAMENTO, CA – Today, California Environmental Voters released the following statement on the results of the June 2022 primary election.
Statement from Mary Creasman, Chief Executive Officer, EnviroVoters:
“This primary had mixed results for climate champions up and down the state — largely because of historically low turnout and millions of dollars spent by corporate polluters.
While votes are still being tallied, it’s likely that we experienced close to California’s lowest ever turnout. This speaks to the incredible need for the state to invest in voter education and outreach — particularly to reach historically disenfranchised groups. This is something that we can address right now by including funding in the state budget for voter education.
The results of this election also speak to the immense resources invested by corporate polluters this cycle. They spent millions of dollars to defeat candidates who would have fought for bold climate solutions. We cannot underestimate industry’s attempts to keep a hold of political power in Sacramento.
Yet despite this, voters picked climate justice champions. In Northern California, Aisha Wahab and Dave Jones prevailed in their State Senate races and Alex Lee in his Assembly re-election campaign. All three will be on the ballot for the November election. In Southern California, Tina McKinnor ended Election Day ahead in a special election for an Assembly seat.
We must look forward to November and organize and mobilize to elect bold climate justice champions who will stand up to corporate interests and fight for Californians.”
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ABOUT CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL VOTERS
California Environmental Voters (formerly the California League of Conservation Voters) believes the climate crisis is here and this moment requires transformative change. California has the policy solutions to stop climate change but lacks the political will to do it at the rate and scale that’s necessary. EnviroVoters exists to build the political power to solve the climate crisis, advance justice, and create a roadmap for global action. We organize voters, elect and train candidates, and hold lawmakers accountable for bold policy change. We won’t stop until we have resilient, healthy, thriving communities, and a democracy and economy that is just and sustainable for all. Join us at www.envirovoters.org and on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. See more press releases.
