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.

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.

The nonprofit, founded by a former corporate marketing executive who wanted to help tackle the problem of climate change, sees clean energy as a brand—not in the traditional sense of a company’s brand, in the sense that the phrase “clean energy” evokes a certain feeling and a shared public understanding. That brand is strong, Howard says.

Voters have taken notice. In last Tuesday’s elections, Democrats notched major wins, including in conservative areas, at least in part because energy was on the ballot.

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.