How candidates are quietly talking about climate change — three strategies you’ll see in US midterm elections

Voters’ current concerns about inflation could make climate messages involving affordability especially effective and will offer some insight into whether Democrats’ energy affordability message will resonate in the 2028 presidential election
Merchandise is sold outside Democratic US Senate candidate James Talarico's campaign rally during his 'Clear Eyes, Full Hearts Tour' at the Galveston Railroad Museum in Galveston, Texas. Picture: Mark Felix / AFP via Getty 

Merchandise is sold outside Democratic US Senate candidate James Talarico's campaign rally during his 'Clear Eyes, Full Hearts Tour' at the Galveston Railroad Museum in Galveston, Texas. Picture: Mark Felix / AFP via Getty 

Mon, 26 Oct, 2026 - 10:43
Geoffrey Henderson, Nathaniel Geiger

Amid wars, inflation, emerging risks from artificial intelligence and threats to democracy, Americans have a lot to be worried about these days. But polls show the majority of voters in 2026 are also concerned about climate change as temperatures and disaster risks rise.

So why are fewer candidates talking openly about climate change in their midterm election campaigns than just a few years ago?

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