Peter Wagenius
Electing the Clean Water and Climate Champions we need now
While mail-in ballots will continue to come in for a few more days, it looks likely that Sierra Club endorsed candidates were undefeated in Tuesday’s primary.
We put our greatest resources by far into the Minnesota Senate District 7 contest where progressive challenger Jen McEwen has been declared the winner over incumbent Senator Erik Simonson.
It’s hard to find a greater contrast in a primary election where the challenger has run on climate and water as top priorities against an incumbent who regularly votes with Republicans against higher clean energy standards and cracking down on polluters.
Duluthians were clear – they voted with their values; they voted for clean water, investing in climate solutions with equity at the center, and leadership that leads with them. Congratulations to the activists and community leaders that have been organizing together for this victory.
This is a great day for Duluth. Jen McEwen will be an effective progressive Senator on many issues, and it’s a great day for all Minnesotans because we are one vote closer to finally taking real action on the climate and growing jobs in a new green economy that can lift everyone up.
This election will make a real difference. Just like in Washington DC, leaders in our (State) House have already passed good legislation. But just like in Washington DC, the (State) Senate has been the road block, killing all environmental progress.
Because there are a handful of State Senate Democrats who vote with Republicans against the environment, it’s not enough to win a DFL majority. But if we can flip five or six more votes in November (this IS possible!), Minnesota can finally move forward and lead the nation.
The size of McEwen’s victory is also a warning. Incumbent legislators who vote against the environment do so at their peril. Progressive leaders in other districts can take inspiration from Jen McEwen and know that when you run a strong grassroots campaign and show your strength, organizations like Sierra Club and TakeAction Minnesota will be there to help you with grassroots organizing and turning out the vote.
Read about more great wins below – and join our SierraVotes Kick Off Event on September 2 for the fight ahead!
Congress
Sierra Club endorsed candidates winning on Tuesday night included Rep. Ilhan Omar in a hard fought District 5 contest, as well as expected winners Rep. Dean Phillips in 3 and Rep. Betty McCollum District 4.
State Senate
New leaders endorsed by Sierra Club included the closely-watched Senate District 62 contest where Omar Fateh is leading incumbent Senator Jeff Hayden as well as Josiah Hill in 39, Addie Miller in 47, and Lindsey Port in 56.
Longtime incumbents Bobby Jo Champion in 59 and Sandy Pappas in 65 also prevailed as expected.
State House
In the State House, Sierra Club endorsed four exciting new voices who are winning their primaries and are likely to prevail in November: Esther Agbaje in 59B, Cedrick Frazier in 45A, Emma Greenman in 63B, and John Thompson in 67A.
Longtime incumbents Sandy Masin in 51A, Jim Davnie in 63B also prevailed as expected.
This is an independent expenditure prepared and paid for by Sierra Club Minnesota Political Action Committee, 2300 Myrtle Avenue Suite 260, St. Paul MN 55114. It is not coordinated with or approved by any candidate nor is any candidate responsible for it.