Hi all,
Results are still coming in from across the country, but one thing is already clear: a focus on Big Oil greed helped Democrats win races across the country.
Here's a memo from Stop The Oil Profiteering that looks at key races where a message of taking on Big Oil helped candidates win.
Heading into this election, high gas prices were expected to doom Democrats. But by shifting the conversation to focus on Big Oil profiteering, and calling for policies like a Big Oil Windfall Profits Tax, Democrats were able to play offense on the issue.
A strong message on climate and challenging corporate polluters was also likely key to mobilizing the *epic* turnout by Gen-Z voters, for whom climate justice is a top priority.
We also saw *big wins* by politicians who have a track record of challenging Big Oil. In Massachusetts, Governor Healey has led the lawsuits against ExxonMobil. In Pennsylvania, Governor Shapiro has sued fracking companies and won. In Michigan, Governor Whitmer opposed the Line 5 pipeline and won, even after Enbridge and fossil fuel front groups spent millions trying to defeat her.
What's the takeaway? Politicians can take on Big Oil and win.
So...they should keep doing it! It's time for Congress to pass a windfall profits tax and for President Biden to use all his executive authorities to crack down on Big Oil.
We've got big fights ahead -- and last night was by no means all celebration -- but it's inspiring to see how this movement has been able to keep up momentum despite the headwinds.
Let's keep going,
Jamie
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Jamie Henn
Director, Fossil Free Media
(415) 601-9337
jamie@fossilfree.media
@jamieclimate