How Democrats used the midterms to turn affordability concerns into ‘green populism’

Democrats won control of the Senate and House and several governor’s races in the midterms, as voters focused on affordability. Analysts say climate-minded candidates gained support by connecting household costs, energy prices and datacentre growth with the climate crisis, a strategy described as “green economic populism”.

The Climate and Community Institute found that candidates most aligned with this approach won 39 of 56 federal races, including six of seven Senate contests and 33 of 49 House races. Democrats’ new influence could let them investigate oil company profits, shape budgets and block some appointments, though a Senate vote on permitting reform may come before newly elected members take office in January.