ICYMI: Electricity Costs are the New Eggs
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Washington, D.C. – This week’s election results show utility prices are dominating the political conversation. From the gubernatorial races in New Jersey and Virginia, to the two statewide races for the Georgia Public Service Commission, Democratic candidates won by centering energy affordability and holding Republicans accountable for their attacks on clean energy that are jacking up utility costs. Donald Trump promised to cut electricity costs in half, but instead, utility costs have risen by 11%. As energy bills continue to rise, the issue will be a political liability for Republicans in 2026.
In case you missed it:
Axios: Utility bills are the new grocery prices in elections
“‘Voters across the country just sent a clear message: their bills are too damn high,’ Climate Power spokesperson Alex Glass told Axios in an emailed statement.”
POLITICO: Democrats show early signs of winning energy messaging war
“Former Democratic Washington Gov. Jay Inslee called the election results a ‘referendum’ on Trump’s energy policies.
‘This is clearly a rejection across the country,’ he said. ‘And all these races had one thing in common: Every Democrat was running against the Trump exposure to Americans with higher electrical bills.’
Grist: Rising energy bills are rewiring American politics
“Jesse Lee, a senior advisor with the climate-politics nonprofit Climate Power, says that the impact of rising costs is so widespread that it could become an issue almost anywhere…
‘Anybody with eyes can see that this is a glaring vulnerability for [Republicans],’ Lee said. ‘Democrats should be embracing it.’”
Los Angeles Times: Promises of lower energy bills win big on election day
“Key races in New Jersey, Virginia and Georgia made it clear that energy affordability was on the ballot this election day as Democrats who campaigned on the issue swept the field.”
POLITICO: Energy prices jolt Democratic victories
“Democrats woke up today as the resounding winners of what could go down as the electricity election.”
Washington Examiner: Republicans reckon with energy price backlash in election losses
“Losses in the off-cycle elections this week are prompting reflection among Republicans about energy policy, as Democrats won by emphasizing affordability concerns, which will remain a top concern for voters in the 2026 midterm elections.”
Semafor: Soaring energy prices gave Democrats a winning message
“Promises to fix soaring energy prices proved to be a winning message for Democratic party candidates in local and state elections across the US this week.”
Heatmap: How Mikie Sherrill Won New Jersey’s Electricity Election
“Sherrill sought to turn the electricity cost issue from a burden to an advantage by making a clear and simple pledge: that she would declare a state of emergency and freeze utility bills…”
POLITICO: Electric election results for Democrats
“Democrats running on affordability and energy politics won big on Election Day across several states, all but ensuring next year’s midterms will resound with their message on high energy prices.”
E&E News: Elections set up national battleground over electricity
“Democrats who campaigned on restraining electricity price increases won big Tuesday, including Abigail Spanberger in Virginia and Mikie Sherrill in New Jersey in their races for governor. That suggests that concern over energy “affordability” will continue to resonate with voters through next year…”
Bloomberg: Jay Inslee: Energy Prices Big Factor in Election
“…these were smashing victories. When you get these double digit victories, it means that people have had it with Donald Trump’s crazy policies.”
Atmos: The Power Play That Paid Off
“…Tuesday’s elections indicate candidates have found a new way to win on the economy: by reframing clean energy as the cheaper, fairer choice.”
Associated Press: Democrats win big over GOP incumbents in 2 statewide Georgia utility regulator races
“Georgia wasn’t the only state where electricity prices are a political issue this year. They were debated in governor’s races in New Jersey and Virginia. Nationwide, electric prices for residential consumers went up 5.2% from July 2024 to July 2025, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.”