A majority of the 2019 Election results are in and it was a good night for the environment. Almost all of NJ Sierra Club’s endorsed candidates won. The New Jersey Sierra Club has been campaigning for strong candidates at local and state levels.  We consider last night to be a victory for the people and environment of New Jersey.

“Our environmental champions have been selected on a state and local level. There may be mixed results, but it’s a good report that shows there is an overwhelming majority of our endorsements that have won by comfortable margins. Leaders like Assemblyman Zwicker won big despite not getting many endorsements. Assemblyman McKeon, Assemblyman Mukerji, Assemblywoman Huttle, and many others won easily,” said Jeff Tittel, Director of the New Jersey Sierra Club. “Now that we have secured environmental champions and leaders, we are ready for lame duck to get electric vehicles, clean energy, and climate bills passed in the state legislature.”

Assemblyman Mazzeo is currently leading in the polls and Melanie Marano is currently leading by 250 votes for Somerset County Freeholder.

“Even though we are still waiting for some of the election results, some of our candidates are still leading. Assembly Mazzeo is leading in Atlantic County and Melanie Marano is leading against her Republican Incumbent for Somerset County Freeholder. In some of the challenge races where our endorsed candidates didn’t win, they came closer than ever before to defeating their counterparts. These candidates did raise critical environmental issues throughout their campaign that we believe will be important for the future,”said Tittel.

Many returning legislators have been leaders on many different environmental issues. In the 16^th District, incumbents Assemblyman Zwicker and Assemblyman Freiman defeated their Republican challengers. Incumbents like Assemblyman McKeon, Assemblyman Holley, and Assemblyman Conoway also beat their Republican challengers.

“We’re transitioning to a much sunnier day of clean water, clean air, and climate protection. This is an important and celebratory paradigm shift for the people and environment of New Jersey. Andrew Zwicker mas made strong efforts to support clean energy, especially electric vehicles. Assemblyman John McKeon has been instrumental in securing critical environmental protections and policies for the state, including the Highlands Act and measures to clean up Barnegat Bay. Assemblyman Herb Conaway has been integral in fighting against contaminants in the water. Assemblyman Jamel Holley has been an advocate for environmental justice and supports legislation to protect open space in urban areas,” said Tittel.

On the county level, Linda Hynes defeated Lathan Tiver for Burlington Freeholder.

“We have new leadership on a local level in Burlington County with Linda Hynes as its new Freeholder. We believe Linda will help protect the Highlands and move important environmental issues forward. We are waiting for the final count in Somerset County Freeholder count but anticipate that Melonie Marano will win. Melonie will make an outstanding Freeholder. She will be an environmental leader working to help move Somerset County forward. She will fight climate change and protect clean water,” said Jeff  Tittel, Director of the New Jersey Sierra Club. “Last night was an important day for the environment on a state and local level. Now with re-elected incumbents and new leaders, we must move forward to protect New Jersey’s clean air, clean water, and fight climate change.”