US midterm elections focus on economy and foreign policy over climate

As the US midterm elections approach, candidates and advocacy groups are increasingly avoiding climate change as a central campaign theme. Despite surveys from the Environmental Voter Project indicating that voters are three times more likely to want politicians to discuss the climate crisis than to ignore it, many candidates are prioritizing inflation and the conflict in Iran.

In states like Texas and Alaska, a majority of voters express support for candidates prioritizing renewable energy. However, campaign messaging often focuses on economic concerns or attempts to balance clean energy commitments with continued oil and gas extraction.

Simultaneously, the Republican Party faces internal challenges as some candidates distance themselves from President Donald Trump. Analysts suggest the midterm election may serve as a referendum on Trump’s presidency. Economic factors, particularly how foreign policy and tariffs impact consumer prices and energy costs, remain critical concerns for the electorate.