ANNAPOLIS, Md. – With 91 percent of their endorsed candidates winning races in yesterday’s Primary Election, the Maryland League of Conservation Voters (Maryland LCV) says the results were a big win for the environment – and that the increased turnout and excitement bodes well for November and future gains for air, land, water and public health in the state. Maryland LCV made 117 endorsements in primary elections, in races across the state, including incumbents, challengers, and candidates for open seats; 106 of those candidates won their races.
“Last night was about change and excitement,” says Karla Raettig, Executive Director of Maryland LCV, “Voters chose values over incumbency. With at least three new Committee Chairs and four new Committee Vice Chairs, both the House and Senate were transformed – we’re excited to work with many new leaders who have the potential to take the General Assembly in a new direction.”
“The voters sent a pro-conservation message yesterday,” said Maryland LCV Board Chair Ed Hatcher. “Maryland LCV’s endorsed candidates have all made strong public commitments to increase renewable energy, protect our Bay and waterways and safeguard the health of our communities – and voters showed these priorities are also important to them.”
Maryland LCV and the Maryland LCV Political Action Committee put significant resources into several Delegate and Senate races, where their efforts helped to secure victories. “We were thrilled to support ‘Green Champions’ Delegates David Fraser-Hidalgo (D-15, Montgomery County) and Brooke Lierman (D-46, Baltimore City), as well as rising stars Delegate Robbyn Lewis (D-46, Baltimore City) and Senate candidate Sarah Elfreth (D-30),” Raettig added. “We will miss the leadership of Green Champion, Delegate Shane Robinson (D-39).”