In the first election of Donald Trump's second term, voters make clear that they're unhappy with his energy policies — and they still care about climate action.

This story was originally published by Grist and is reproduced here as part of the Climate Desk collaboration. Tuesday was a great day at the ballot box for the planet, with climate-friendly initiatives and candidates winning nationwide.

The big wins by Democrats in Tuesday’s elections across the US turned into a rallying cry at an environmental conference in Rio de Janeiro.

Democratic election wins last week reignited arguments on how — or if — candidates should discuss climate change on the campaign trail.

Mikie Sherrill launched her successful New Jersey campaign with a promise to freeze utility bills and accelerate solar power in the state.

At the America First Policy Institute’s Global Energy Summit, speakers derided climate action and heralded their efforts to reverse key environmental initiatives.

Fueled partly by rising energy costs, Democratic candidates swept key climate races across the country on Tuesday. The trend was most potent in Georgia, where two challengers ousted incumbents for seats on the Georgia Power Commission,

President Donald Trump’s attacks on renewables turned rising electricity prices into a potent weapon for Democrats.

Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic nominee who will serve as New York City’s next mayor, ran his campaign on affordability—pushing campaign promises for free buses and more accessible housing. Climate change was not often mentioned during his campaign stops or debate points.

Zohran Mamdani will need to enforce the city’s building decarbonization law, enact his green school policy and handle the climate change-related issues residents often face—like flooding and extreme heat.