Georgia Conservation Voters (GCV), one of the state’s leading environmental justice organizations, announced its slate of endorsements for the November 5th General Election. GCV’s endorsements help environmental voters know who climate champions are ahead of Election Day. Endorsements for some campaigns will include field support – door knocking, phone banking, texting – opportunities for earned and created media, and financial contributions. These endorsements build on a successful primary season during which GCV endorsed 27 candidates in the spring, 14 of whom had competitive races. In the contested races, GCV endorsed candidates notched 9 Primary Wins for a 64% win rate. Newly endorsed candidates include:
HD 34, Karl Gallegos
HD 37, Mary Frances Williams
HD 45, Eric Cataster
HD 47, Debra Shigley
HD 48, Laura Murvartian
HD 50, Michelle Au
HD 52, Shea Roberts
HD 54, Betsy Holland
HD 57, Stacey Evans
HD 59, Phil Olaleye
HD 67, Lydia Glaize
HD 83, Karen Lupton
HD 99, Michelle Kang
SD 9, Nikki Merritt
SD 34, Kenya Wicks
Gwinnett Tax Commission, Denise Mitchell
Cobb Commission Chair, Lisa Cupid
Creating a state legislature that’s proactive on climate change and environmental justice is essential to GCV’s goal of transforming Georgia into a 100% clean energy state by 2050. Increasingly, issues of rapid development, corporate accountability, and democracy are before the General Assembly for debate.
Brionté McCorkle, Executive Director of Georgia Conservation Voters, is excited for this next round of endorsements, saying, “People trying to survive this economy and raise their children need fighters who have the guts to stand up to Georgia Power, and we believe these candidates fit the bill.”
Laura Murvatian, candidate for HD48, welcomed the news, saying, “The environmental health of our state impacts our quality of life and our economy, and it can’t be ignored. I stand by GCV’s important work, which looks to get Georgia on a path to 100% clean, renewable energy.”
GCV will continue to defend the people of Georgia from corporate polluters and reckless threats to the public’s health and natural resources. Endorsements of candidates are only one tool we use to hold elected officials accountable and build power for working people.
Rep. Michelle Au, HD 50, added, “As a doctor, legislator, and as a mom, I see – every day – how worsening environmental conditions are broadening our healthcare disparities in our communities. Climate change poses a fundamental threat to human health, affecting physical, social, and economic conditions worldwide, as well as right here in Georgia.”