Miami, FL (October 1, 2024) — Today, the genCLEO Action Fund proudly announced its official endorsements for 19 climate champion candidates and three amendments that will appear on the General Election ballot. The endorsed candidates are running for offices that range from local commission and school board seats to the U.S. Senate and Office of the President, but all share a commitment to advancing bold justice-focused climate policies. These candidates, termed “climate champions” by genCLEO Action Fund, are committed to expanding renewable energy, reducing harmful greenhouse gas emissions, and implementing solutions that prioritize the communities most affected by climate change.
In addition to endorsing candidates, genCLEO Action Fund has endorsed a NO position on Amendment 2, which would make hunting and fishing the “preferred means of responsibly managing and controlling fish and wildlife” as it would result in further biodiversity loss, which is already being exacerbated by a warming climate. The genCLEO Action Fund has endorsed the YES position on Amendment 4 based on the fact that protecting women’s rights and access to healthcare for family planning is a climate solution, particularly when it is women, especially women of color, who are disproportionately impacted by socio-economic, racial, and gender injustices.
genCLEO Action Fund has also endorsed the YES position on the City of Gainesville’s Local Public Utilities based on the rights local communities have to retain local control over municipal utility providers so that residents have more choice and input on the types of power generation they want in their communities.
Endorsed campaigns include:
Federal
- Kamala Harris – President of the United States
- Debbie Mucarsel-Powell – U.S. Senate
- Pat Kemp – Congressional District 5
- Maxwell Frost – Congressional District 10
- Whitney Fox – Congressional District 13
- Lucia Baez-Geller – Congressional District 27
State Legislature
- Daryl Parks – State Senate District 3
- David Arreola – State Senate District 22
- Sarah Henry – State House District 38
- Nate Douglas – State House District 37
- Dr. Anna V. Eskamani – State House District 42
- Leonard Spencer – State House District 45
- Fentrice Driskell – State House District 67
- Lindsay Cross – State House District 60
Local Candidates
- Nicole Wilson – Orange County Commission District 1
- Dr. Kelly Semrad – Orange County Commission District 5
- Patricia Altagarcia Alonzo – Hillsborough County Commission District 2
- Cindy Lerner – Miami-Dade County Commission District 7
- Max Tuchman – Miami-Dade County School Board District 7
Local Referendum
- Yes on Local Public Utilities – City of Gainesville Charter Amendment
Statewide Amendments
- No on Amendment 2 – Right to Hunt and Fish
- Yes on Amendment 4 – Limiting Government Interference with Abortion
Speaking about the endorsements, genCLEO Action’s Executive Director, Yoca Arditi-Rocha, said, “Hurricane Helene is yet another stark reminder of the climate crisis we’re facing, and it’s clear that we can’t afford leaders who deny science or delay action any longer. We must elect climate champions in Florida who are committed to protecting our communities, not the fossil fuel industry. But it’s not the only issue at stake. Protecting abortion rights and our wildlife are also part of the solution. When we protect women’s rights and nature, we build stronger, healthier communities. Florida needs leaders who understand that these issues are connected. Young people get it, and they’re calling for bold leadership. Our youth are stepping up because they understand that their future is on the line. They’re calling on our leaders to lead with urgency in this election—to prioritize climate solutions, safeguard lives, and ensure a sustainable future. This election, we must vote for leaders who will fight for our rights, our environment, and our future.”
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