Climate on the ballot: Key races to accelerate state-level climate progress

Join 1.5°Climate for a special San Francisco Climate Week event featuring clean energy pioneer Jigar Shah and Caroline Spears from Climate Cabinet Action. Climate Cabinet combines data science with on-the-ground expertise to support leaders across the country fighting to pass impactful climate policies and running in under-the-radar elections. As the federal landscape has grown more hostile, the front lines of the energy transition have moved decisively to the states – and the 2026 cycle is shaping up to be a defining moment.

Climate Cabinet will share the top 100 opportunities in 2026 across three buckets where targeted investments today can unlock durable, scalable climate policy in 2027.

State trifectas: Five battleground states representing tens of millions of Americans are just 22 legislative seats away from pro-climate trifectas. Virginia proved the model in 2025: we elected 13 of 13 supported candidates, delivered a trifecta, and those lawmakers immediately got to work on solar siting, rejoining RGGI, and limiting carbon emitting backup generators in favor of battery storage.“Weird Statewides”: From the Arizona Corporation Commission and New Mexico Land Commissioner, these strange offices can unlock or block major energy and climate decisions – and where an investment isn't just a rounding error, but the whole game.Local offices: County and municipal candidates in races like Deschutes County, Oregon, where authority over land use, zoning, and permitting quietly determines whether new growth locks communities into fossil fuels, or sets them up for the clean energy transition.

We hope to see you on 4/24 to explore how strategic, data-driven investment at the state and local levels can accelerate climate action across the country.

​1.5°Climate is a free national donor collaborative that connects philanthropists with a broad portfolio of high-impact organizations and initiatives on the front lines of the climate fight. Informed by landscape research and hundreds of organizational interviews, 1.5°Climate identifies catalytic, high-leverage, and gap-filling opportunities in urgent need of direct funding. Members receive insights through curated, tri-weekly presentations that spotlight emerging opportunities, respond to real-time developments, and explore a wide range of critical climate issues. Members can also share impactful opportunities with fellow members and the 1.5°Climate team.

By registering for this event, you agree to share your registration information with the organizers of SF Climate Week.