This story was originally published by Grist and is reproduced here as part of the Climate Desk collaboration. Tuesday was a great day at the ballot box for the planet, with climate-friendly initiatives and candidates winning nationwide.

Democratic election wins last week reignited arguments on how — or if — candidates should discuss climate change on the campaign trail.

Mikie Sherrill launched her successful New Jersey campaign with a promise to freeze utility bills and accelerate solar power in the state.

The nonprofit, founded by a former corporate marketing executive who wanted to help tackle the problem of climate change, sees clean energy as a brand—not in the traditional sense of a company’s brand, in the sense that the phrase “clean energy” evokes a certain feeling and a shared public understanding. That brand is strong, Howard says.

Voters have taken notice. In last Tuesday’s elections, Democrats notched major wins, including in conservative areas, at least in part because energy was on the ballot.

The United States is largely absent from the United Nations climate negations in Brazil. So who is stepping up?

Speaking at the COP30 climate summit in Brazil, California Governor Gavin Newsom said his state, the world’s fourth-largest economy, would continue to prioritize green technology.