Climate progressives won the midterms without saying ‘climate’

The recent midterm elections have been hailed as a victory for climate progressives, despite the fact that "climate change" wasn't a dominant theme in many of the winning campaigns. This outcome may seem counterintuitive, but it's a testament to the strategic efforts of progressive candidates and organizations who reframed their messages to resonate with a broader audience. By focusing on issues like jobs, healthcare, and economic opportunity, these candidates were able to tap into a growing desire for transformative change.

The ideas behind the Green New Deal, a sweeping proposal for a climate-friendly economic overhaul, have been quietly gaining traction in the lead-up to the midterms. Proponents of the Green New Deal have been working to update and refine their message, making it more palatable to a wider range of voters. This approach appears to have paid off, as many of the candidates who ran on platforms aligned with the Green New Deal's goals – such as investing in clean energy, promoting energy efficiency, and creating good-paying jobs – were successful on election day.

As the newly elected officials take office, all eyes will be on how they work to advance climate-friendly policies in a divided Congress. One key thing to watch is whether lawmakers will be able to pass legislation that promotes a transition to clean energy, such as extending tax credits for wind and solar power or investing in grid modernization. Additionally, the incoming class of climate-conscious lawmakers will likely face pressure to hold the Trump administration accountable for its environmental policies, and to push for more ambitious action to address the climate crisis.

Originally reported by grist.org. CleanNews adds analysis for climate & energy readers.