FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: [email protected]
November 7, 2018 — Today, Citizens for Responsible Energy Solutions (CRES) Chairman James Dozier and Senior Advisor and former U.S. Senator Kelly Ayotte offered statements on the midterm elections. With only a handful of races remaining too close to call, more than 75 percent of CRES-endorsed candidates were successful on Tuesday.
“In the midst of one of the most hotly contested and record-breaking midterm elections in history, CRES was once again proud to demonstrate that embracing clean energy policies translates to success at the ballot box. While not every race turned out as we had hoped, an overwhelming number of CRES-endorsed clean energy champions won hard-fought races and are now poised to continue the fight for the future of our nation. In states across America, clean energy policies are growing the economy, strengthening our national security and proactively addressing the real challenges that result from climate change. If state and federal Republicans are to be successful in 2020 and beyond, they must continue to champion clean energy solutions that build upon the strong foundation we have laid, keep moving our country in the right direction, and deliver the kinds of results voters are looking for,” CRES Chairman James Dozier said.
“With Republicans expanding their seats in the U.S. Senate and holding a majority of governorships across America, we must continue to champion conservative leadership and collaboration in pursuit of clean energy policies that enjoy broad support among the American people. I’m proud of the incredible work and resources CRES brought to bear in support of Republican clean energy champions that are advancing solutions in Congress and state capitals. CRES will waste no time in getting to work alongside federal and state leaders to pursue a free market agenda that reduces regulation, offers tangible solutions that maintain economic growth, and unleashes our clean energy and national security potential for future generations,” said CRES Senior Advisor and former U.S. Senator Kelly Ayotte.
BACKGROUND
CRES played a unique role in this year’s elections through its elevation of Republican clean energy champions who supported clean energy development as a way to grow the economy, enhance our national security and address the challenges posed by a changing climate. In 2018, CRES endorsed 36 state and federal candidates. With 2 races too close to call, 27 of these candidates won on Tuesday, including:
Gov. Mitt Romney (UT), Reps. Mark Amodei (NV-02), Don Bacon (NE-02), Chuck Fleischmann (TN-03), Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), Jeff Fortenberry (NE-01), Garret Graves (LA-06), John Katko (NY-24), Adam Kinzinger (IL-16), Brian Mast (FL-18), Markwayne Mullin (OK-02), Tom Reed (NY-23), Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05), Francis Rooney (FL-19), Elise Stefanik (NY-21), Fred Upton (MI-06), Ted Yoho (FL-03), and Lee Zeldin (NY-01), GOP nominees Dusty Johnson (SD), William Timmons (SC-04) and Mike Waltz (FL-06), and Govs. Charlie Baker (MA), Doug Ducey (AZ), Larry Hogan (MD), Henry McMaster (SC), Phil Scott (VT), and Mike DeWine (OH). Races in UT-04 and CA-45 remain too close to call.
CRES also spent more than $1.5 million this cycle supporting Republican candidates for state and federal office who have promoted clean energy and climate action on the campaign trail. This effort has included a mix of paid media, including radio, TV, digital, and direct mail throughout the election.
###
Citizens for Responsible Energy Solutions is a 501(c)(4) non-profit organization founded in 2013 to engage Republican policymakers and the public about commonsense, conservative solutions to address our nation’s need for abundant, reliable energy while preserving our environment.