A blue wave that causes Democrats to take control of Congress could also have the counterintuitive effect of overwhelming climate policy partners on the other side of the aisle.
The Conservative Climate Caucus, a House Republican group that advocates for climate and clean energy policies, could lose up to a third of its members in the midterms.
Caucus Chairman Rep. Marianne Miller-Meeks (R-Iowa), is running in a Democratic-leaning race and serving as vice president for Representatives. Jen Kiggans (R-Va.) and Juan Ciscomani (R-Ariz.) are in toss-up races, according to Cook Political Report. Eleven of the caucus’ 66 members are in close races — and another 15 are retiring, lost primaries or running for positions outside the House, including vice president, Rep. Buddy Carter (R-Ga.).
The potential of the midterm elections to eliminate so many pro-climate Republicans poses a major threat to the new conservative climate movement in Congress, which has already toned down its rhetoric and advocacy from the president Donald Trump took office. Democrats are poised to renew their pro-climate campaign if they take back the House, but losing these Republicans could reduce the number of negotiating partners on the other side and widen the partisan divide on climate.
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