WHAT THEY’RE SAYING: Voter Concerns Over Utility Costs Dominated the 2025 Election
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Washington, D.C. – Last night, Democrats swept in races across the country – from top ticket gubernatorial elections in Virginia and New Jersey to statewide wins in Georgia. And the consensus is clear: Democrats ran on affordability – and won. Skyrocketing utility costs are a top concern for voters – and Donald Trump’s cuts to clean energy production while utility bills skyrocket will be a massive liability for Republicans in 2026 as Democrats continue going on offense on costs.
It’s unanimous – this election was about utility costs, and every Democrat held Republicans accountable for taking clean energy off the grid. And despite tantrums from Donald Trump, Republicans are on the wrong side of the issue:
E&E News: Democrats ride energy issues to election sweep
Fox Business: Energy costs stand out as a top issue in the New Jersey governor race
Steve Contoro: Aaron, it’s funny you bring that up because I was just thinking about this story from our colleague David Wright about Democrats running on energy bills in Virginia and New Jersey. You can bet midterm candidates are taking notice.
@JayInslee: Folks need to understand the depth of the power of our message on clean, affordable energy. In New Jersey the R attacked specifically on electricity prices.
The result? He got clobbered. Overwhelming majorities support climate fighting clean energy. Cheap and clean. Run on it.
Abigail Spanberger: And we’re going to produce more energy, and we are going to lower costs, and we are going to do it by producing more energy here in Virginia, and we’re going to make sure that large utility users… pay their fair share.
@samcornale: Trump is building a ballroom and shutting down government while utility prices sky rocket.
The New York Times: In an Upset, Democrats Oust Two Republicans on Georgia’s Utility Board
Atlanta Journal Constitution: How two obscure races became a referendum on Georgia Power bills
Jon Favreau: “Those Georgia races were probably, electorally, the most impressive wins of the night”
POLITICO: [Sherrill’s] Her closing message largely relied on her plan to drive down utility costs — and blaming Trump for wreaking havoc on the economy.
POLITICO: In New Jersey, 58 percent of respondents in exit polls identified electricity costs as a “major problem.”
Axios: In both states, home energy prices were a top worry for voters — and that’s likely to continue in 2026’s races elsewhere.
The Washington Post: Everything from utility costs to grocery prices have jumped over the last year and voters aren’t just taking note — they are blaming Trump.
@ddayen: Electricity costs are now a top-tier political issue.
@amyklobuchar: For the first time in nearly 20 years, Dems have won non-federal statewide races in Georgia, flipping two seats on the Public Service Commission. A rejection of Trump policies that have driven up energy costs and electricity bills. Congrats, Dr. Alicia Johnson and Peter Hubbard!
@brianschatz: I can save you a dozen hours of podcast listening: People are pissed about high prices and corruption.