2023 Election Endorsements

The ELM Action Fund supports candidates that are committed to policies that meet the scale and urgency of the climate crisis we are in. We are a non-partisan organization that seeks questionnaires from all candidates, conducts interviews, and votes on endorsements. We are proud to endorse incumbents, challengers, and first-time candidates running for state and municipal office in Massachusetts.


Zac Bears

Medford City Council At-Large

Zac Bears has been a dedicated voice for climate on the Medford City Council since 2019. In his new term, he plans to work to pass the new opt-in stretch code, implement the climate goals of the city’s climate plan, and further fund the climate resiliency hubs program.

Election date: Nov 7

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Alicia Bowman

Newton City Council At-Large from Ward 6

First elected to Newton’s City Council in 2019, Alicia Bowman has proven her dedication to the environment through her efforts to expand sustainable transportation and lead the city’s Climate Action Plan. This year, her priorities include expanding green infrastructure and developing green spaces.

Election date: Nov 7

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Josh Donati

Dedham Select Board

With a strong background in community service, Josh Donati will champion Dedham’s sustainability goals by advancing green energy solutions and expanding electric vehicle infrastructure.

Election date: Apr 8

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Andreae Downs

Newton City Council

Andreae Downs has been a dedicated member of the Newton City Council since 2017. In her new term, she plans to invest in walking and biking infrastructure, reduce building energy use, and address flooding and pollution. 

Election date: Nov 7

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Sharon Durkan

Boston City Council District 8

Sharon Durkan has a long record of involvement in various Boston and statewide campaigns. As City Councilor, she will work to protect environmental justice communities, expand sustainable transportation, and advocate for a Green New Deal for Boston Public Schools. 

Election date: Nov 7

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Carlos Garcia

Shrewsbury Select Board

Carlos Garcia has an impressive history of environmental advocacy in Shrewsbury; as a Select Board member, he plans to expand electric vehicle infrastructure, promote clean transportation, and support climate resiliency efforts.

Election date: May 2

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Etel Haxhiaj

Worcester City Council District 5

As City Councilor, Etel Haxhiaj has led efforts to create and fund an urban forestry plan in Worcester to mitigate urban heat islands. Her priorities in her second term include eliminating fossil fuels in construction and supporting clean technology. 

Election date: Nov 7

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Juan Pablo Jaramillo

Revere City Council At-Large

A dedicated public servant, Juan Pablo Jaramillo has a strong history of climate advocacy. As Revere City Councilor At-Large, he will prioritize equitable green infrastructure, invest in public transit, and reduce city waste.

Election date: Nov 7

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Matt Leming

Medford City Council At-Large

Matt Leming is currently a member of the Medford Community Preservation Committee, as well as the Charter Study Committee. His priorities include increasing electric vehicle charging stations to phase out Medford’s gas vehicles, facilitating green job training programs, and planning green, open-space projects.

Election date: Nov 7

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Amanda Linehan

Malden City Council Ward 3

During her time in office, Amanda Linehan secured $6.5 million in state funding to preserve land. This open space will create the first new park in Malden in a generation. Now, her priorities include re-greening hard surfacing, improving bike infrastructure, and adopting lower parking-minimum zoning.

Election date: Nov 7

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Breanna Lungo-Koehn

Medford Mayor

After a strong first term, Breanna Lungo-Koehn will continue her climate work as Medford Mayor by increasing the Blue Bike network capacity, electrifying public transportation, and incentivizing composting in Medford.  

Election date: Nov 7

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Carey McDonald

Malden City Council At-Large

As chair of the Energy Efficiency and Sustainability Commission, Carey McDonald has placed climate at the forefront of his first term as City Councilor. Once re-elected, he plans to continue implementing community sustainability efforts, as well as Malden’s Climate Action Plan. 

Election date: Nov 7

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Michael Nicholson

Gardner Mayor

A lifelong Gardner resident, Michael Nicholson became the city’s first Latino elected official when he was elected Mayor in 2020. In his first term, he adopted a resolution to make all new city vehicles hybrid or fully electric, created green spaces, and reduced litter. In his next term, his overarching climate goal is to reduce the city’s carbon footprint.

Election date: Nov 7

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Guy O’Donnell

Holyoke City Council

As City Councilor, Guy O’Donnell will bring a robust platform to Holyoke that includes protecting green spaces and fostering clean energy development and jobs. 

Election date: Sep 26

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Dominick Pangallo

Salem Mayor

As Mayor of Salem, Dominick Pangallo will focus on resiliency, infrastructure, and environmental justice, keeping Salem on a path of prosperity and progress.

Election date: May 16

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Samantha Perlman

Marlborough Mayor

Samantha Perlman has been a leader on climate action during her time on the Marlborough City Council. As Mayor, she will focus on increasing tree canopy to reduce urban heat islands, increase electric vehicle accessibility, and expand conservation land.

Election date: Nov 7

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Domenica Perrone

Worcester City Council At-Large

Domenica Perrone is running for Worcester City Council At-Large on a platform to maintain a free Worcester Regional Transit Authority (WRTA), improve biking infrastructure in the city, and expand access to housing in Worcester.

Election date: Nov 7

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Jaclyn Torres Roth

Medford City Council At-Large

Jaclyn Torres Roth is an active member of the Medford community, and a strong environmental advocate. Her priorities include implementing a pay-as-you-throw trash and recycling structure throughout the city, mitigating flood risks, and preventing heat islands. 

Election date: Nov 7

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Henry Santana

Boston City Council At-Large

Henry Santana grew up in public housing and attended Boston Public Schools; he is committed to making climate resilience accessible to all residents. His priorities include updating and retrofitting Boston Housing Authority facilities with renewable energy; investing in green jobs and job training opportunities; and delivering a Green New Deal for Boston Public Schools.

Election date: Nov 7

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Justin Tseng

Medford City Council At-Large

As a member of the Climate Subcommittee and a leader of the Climate Action and Adaption Plan, Justin Tseng is a strong environmental champion. His priorities include raising energy efficiency and climate resiliency standards, improving green infrastructure, and supporting environmental justice communities.

Election date: Nov 7

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Tracy Valletti

Peabody Municipal Light Plant Board

As a healthcare practitioner, Tracy Valletti understands the consequences of unchecked pollution. Once re-elected to the Peabody Municipal Light Plant Board, Valletti will prioritize developing clean energy projects and moving toward 100% renewable energy.

Election date: Nov 7

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Vernon Walker

Cambridge City Council At-Large

Vernon Walker has dedicated his career to environmental issues and brings a deep understanding of the way the climate crisis impacts marginalized communities and public health. His priorities include streamlining climate adaptation city services, creating inclusive green jobs, and eliminating building emissions. 

Election date: Nov 7

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