28 Climate Champions Elected Across Massachusetts

On Tuesday, November 4th, 28 out of 34 ELM Action Fund-endorsed municipal candidates were elected to office. During the fall 2025 election cycle, the ELM Action Fund endorsed 35 candidates across 18 municipalities, making it one of the organization’s largest municipal election years so far. Among the climate champions now taking office across the Commonwealth, the ELM Action Fund helped to elect 4 mayors and 21 council members.   

Our endorsed candidates collectively recognize the urgency of climate action, and the economic opportunities it unlocks. This year, Massachusetts voters affirmed their support for local leaders committed to advancing our green economy, cleaner transportation, coastal resilience, and healthier, more sustainable communities. 

“Our cities and towns are where on-the-ground climate solutions develop and take root,” said Casey Bowers, Executive Director of the ELM Action Fund. “Local climate leadership is essential to building a healthier future for Massachusetts. The 2025 municipal election results send a clear message that voters support leaders who will accelerate clean energy, invest in green infrastructure, and protect our communities and natural resources.”  

Throughout the 2025 primary and general elections, the ELM Action Fund reached over 140,000 voters across the Commonwealth. We encouraged constituents to vote by knocking on 500+ doors, making 1,200+ GOTV phone calls, and running targeted digital ads in key races. We featured each of our candidates in the Massachusetts Green Voter Guide and highlighted the website in our digital ads. The tool made it easy for residents to find environmental champions on their ballots; almost 2,000 voters utilized this resource during the 2025 municipal election cycle. 

The ELM Action Fund IE PAC also supported the closely watched Boston Mayoral primary election. In partnership with Bold Boston, we received over 1.7M views on digital ads leading up to the primary, helping secure Mayor Michelle Wu’s ultimate re-election. 

Highlights from other key races include:  

Beverly voters re-elected Mayor Mike Cahill and Ward 4 City Councilor Danielle Spang, as well as elected City Councilor At-Large Keith Sonia. All three candidates are committed to advancing renewable energy and investing in coastal resilience.  

In Boston, voters prioritized environmental justice and climate education by re-electing City Councilor At-Large Ruthzee Louijuene, who received the highest number of votes in her race. Voters also re-elected ELM Action Fund-endorsed District Councilors Gabriela Coletta Zapata, John FitzGerald, Enrique Pepén, Benjamin Weber, and Liz Breadon.  

Robert Bilotta won his seat for District 2 City Council in Worcester, with a focus on energy efficient housing and fare-free transit. The city also re-elected Mayor Joe Petty.  

In Gardner, Mayor Michael Nicholson, who has championed electrified public transit and solar energy, was successfully re-elected.  

Malden voters made their voices heard on climate up and down the ballot, re-electing climate champions Carey McDonald, Amanda Linehan, and Ari Taylor to the City Council.  

We thank all ELM Action Fund-endorsed candidates. Their leadership ensured that climate action remained at the center of local conversations and helped advance momentum for lasting progress.  

The ELM Action Fund’s electoral work was bolstered by our Campaign & Advocacy Fellows Program, a paid opportunity for student leaders to work alongside our endorsed candidates’ campaigns. During the 2025 municipal elections, four fellows joined our efforts to elect local environmental champions.  

See our full 2025 election results.  

The ELM Action Fund looks forward to working with both new and incumbent climate champions. Together, we can ensure our cities and towns make Massachusetts the national model for climate action.