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Connecticut’s future hangs in the balance this November, and our environment—and health—are on the line. The leaders we elect must be up to the challenge of protecting our clean air, safeguarding our water, and ensuring our natural resources thrive for generations to come. This election is about more than just policy—it's about the legacy we leave for our communities.
Protecting our environment isn’t just a moral standard—it’s the backbone of a strong economy. A healthy ecosystem boosts local businesses, fuels tourism, and enriches the quality of life that makes Connecticut exceptional. Clean air and water aren’t luxuries; they’re essentials that attract families and companies alike. This election is our chance to back leaders ready to fight for these crucial resources. Here are four critical races that the Connecticut League of Conservation Voters (CTLCV) is closely monitoring for their potential impact on the state's environmental future: Senate District 36: Nick Simmons (D) vs. Incumbent Sen. Ryan Fazio (R) This race is pivotal. The incumbent senator’s voting record speaks volumes: with only a 25% rating on the 2024 CTLCV Environmental Scorecard, he has consistently opposed essential environmental protections. By contrast, Nick Simmons will bring a new vision to office, driven by policies that connect sustainability with economic strength. His focus includes securing Connecticut’s shoreline from costly climate impacts, aiming to build long-term stability for our coastal communities. This race is about electing leaders who recognize that a resilient economy and a protected environment are inseparable. Senate District 8: Paul Honig (D) vs. Incumbent Sen. Lisa Seminara (R) In another crucial race, Paul Honig is challenging freshman Senator Lisa Seminara, whose support for fossil fuel expansion threatens to undo Connecticut’s environmental progress. Honig combines environmental advocacy with financial expertise, emphasizing that affordable clean energy is essential for Connecticut’s future. He is committed to championing fiscal policies that drive down energy costs. By focusing on data-driven strategies, Honig aims to bolster local resiliency, including securing funding for energy efficient retrofits. With a clear vision for affordability and sustainability, Honig is poised to lead his district into a resilient future. House District 57: Jaime Foster (D), Incumbent Environmental Champion Rep. Jaime Foster is a committed environmental champion for Connecticut, dedicated to protecting our natural resources and public health. As a leader on the Energy and Technology Committee, she develops energy policies that benefit her constituents and promote sustainability. With significant funding secured for safe drinking water and local parks, her ongoing leadership is essential for advancing environmental protection. Additionally, as a farm advocate on the solar citing council, Foster seeks to balance renewable energy development with the preservation of agricultural land and community interests. In contrast, Jennifer Dzen has limited experience in environmental advocacy and has not demonstrated the same commitment to impactful policies that Foster has championed. House District 138: Ken Gucker (D) vs. Incumbent Rep. Rachel Chaleski (R) Ken Gucker is seeking to reclaim his seat as an environmental leader in the House after a 26 vote loss to Rachel Chaleski in 2022. Chaleski's troubling 43% score on the 2024 Environmental Scorecard reflects her commitment to rolling back vital protections for Connecticut’s environment. In contrast, Gucker's leadership has been instrumental in modernizing the Bottle Bill, advocating for clean energy investments, and securing crucial funding for waterway health. Additionally, he is actively engaged in local issues, ensuring that development projects are ecologically responsible. Gucker is the candidate in this race who will champion Connecticut's long term sustainability. Ballot General Question: Absentee Voting As climate change increasingly disrupts our state, it's more important than ever to ensure all citizens can safely cast their vote. The CTLCV strongly supports expanding access to absentee ballots, so every voice is heard—regardless of environmental challenges. Media Contacts Gracie Pope, Communications Manager [email protected] Lori Brown, Executive Director [email protected] Hartford, CT – The CT League of Conservation Voters (CTLCV) has endorsed 68 candidates for the 2024 Connecticut General Assembly House and Senate elections. These endorsements, paired with CTLCV’s 2024 Environmental Scorecard, provide voters with a comprehensive toolkit to make informed decisions about which candidates will best protect Connecticut’s environmental future. “Over time, the legislature has become more partisan since we first started in 2000, with fewer Republicans seeking our endorsement. Most Republicans are following the “Party line” rather than educating themselves on the importance of environmental policy to the health of their constituents and the economy of Connecticut,” says CTLCV Board Co-Chair David Bingham. “It's striking that, while the highest Republican score in the legislature reached 75%, the lowest Democratic score was only close behind at 67%. In 2024, the average of all Republicans was 40% and the average of all Democrats was 97%.” Endorsements Reflect Commitment to Connecticut’s Environment Each endorsed candidate brings unique perspectives and district-specific priorities, yet all have demonstrated a steadfast commitment to advancing environmental policies. “Connecticut voters can trust that if their district race made the list, they have a candidate that will advocate for clean air, water, and long-term sustainability for the state of Connecticut,” says CTLCV Executive Director, Lori Brown. Candidates seeking CTLCV’s endorsement were asked about their top environmental priorities for 2024. Common responses included re-introducing major climate legislation, advocating for an Environmental Rights provision in the state constitution, and promoting clean energy initiatives. Endorsements were based on candidates’ survey responses, their voting record in CTLCV’s annual Environmental Scorecard, and their demonstrated leadership on key environmental issues. For a full list of endorsed candidates, visit CTLCV.org/endorsements . Please note that CTLCV does not issue endorsements in every race, but that every submitted survey is published online. 2024 Environmental Scorecard Highlights Key Legislative Votes In tandem with the endorsements, CTLCV also released its annual Environmental Scorecard, a powerful tool that rates how lawmakers voted on critical environmental legislation in the 2024 legislative session. The Scorecard is not only a measure of accountability but also a guide for voters. The Scorecard provides a detailed list of bills impacting the environment, including whether the legislation passed or failed. CTLCV tracks legislators' votes in committees, the House, and the Senate, grading them on a 0-100% scale based on their support for environmental issues. The 2024 session saw an average score of 81% on scored environmental legislation. A Trusted Resource for Connecticut Voters CTLCV is the only environmental organization in Connecticut with a Political Action Committee (PAC), and both the endorsements and scorecard reflect their role as a trusted source for voters. Whether it’s an incumbent with a strong voting record or a challenger with a bold vision for the future, CTLCV’s resources help voters choose candidates who will fight for environmental justice and sustainability. A complete list of endorsed candidates and the full 2024 Environmental Scorecard are available on the CTLCV website at CTLCV.org. ------ The CT League of Conservation Voters (CTLCV) is a nonpartisan statewide organization dedicated to protecting Connecticut’s environment. CTLCV works to pass equitable and sustainable legislation that impacts our air, land, water, wildlife, and climate and holds all state legislators accountable with an annual Environmental Scorecard. CTLCV endorses and supports pro-environment candidates for CT State House and Senate, and Statewide elected offices. Visit ctlcv.org for more information on CTLCV.
 Hartford, CT – The Connecticut League of Conservation Voters (CTLCV) has endorsed Rep. Jaime Foster to represent the 57th House District of the CT General Assembly including the towns of East Windsor, Ellington, and Vernon. Voters have long relied on CTLCV's endorsements to identify candidates who will champion environmental protection. Rep. Foster has been a consistent advocate for climate initiatives and will continue to fight for her district’s environmental priorities.
“Rep. Foster has demonstrated exceptional leadership in advancing critical environmental legislation,” said Lori Brown, CTLCV Executive Director. “Her commitment to solar energy and local environmental issues positions her as a vital advocate for her communities. We are confident that her continued leadership will result in a sustainable future for Connecticut.” As Vice Chair of the Energy & Technology Committee, Foster has championed comprehensive solar energy initiatives while also addressing a variety of local environmental concerns. She serves as a farm advocate on the Connecticut Siting Council, working to resolve conflicts related to solar siting and ensuring that the interests of her constituents are prioritized. Foster has successfully fought to ban the toxic chemical PFAS from contaminating the state’s waterways and private wells, secured $100 million in state funding for safe drinking water, and brought home $11 million for local parks and community projects. Her commitment to protecting open spaces and promoting clean energy solutions highlights her dedication to enhancing the quality of life for residents in the 57th House District. To receive CTLCV’s endorsement, all candidates must have completed a Survey on the Environment. Endorsements are issued based on candidates’ responses and demonstrated leadership on specific issues. |
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September 2025
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