2026 Endorsements | Southern Alliance for Clean Energy Action Fund

Endorsements on this page include:

Peter Hubbard and Shelia Edwards for Georgia Public Service Commission
Jon Ossoff for U.S. Senate, Georgia
Jamie Ager for U.S. House of Representatives, North Carolina District 11
Roy Cooper for U.S. Senate, North Carolina
Justin J. Pearson for U.S. House of Representatives, Tennessee District 9
Bryan Goldberg for Tennessee House of Representatives District 18
Kathy Castor for U.S. House of Representatives, Florida District 14
David Jolly for Governor of Florida
Brandi Gabbard for Mayor of St. Petersburg, Florida

Southern Alliance for Clean Energy Action Fund Endorses Peter Hubbard and Shelia Edwards for Georgia Public Service Commission

September 9, 2026
CONTACT: Amy Rawe, Southern Alliance for Clean Energy Action Fund, amyr@cleanenergyactionfund.org

Atlanta, GA– The Southern Alliance for Clean Energy Action Fund, which works to make clean energy solutions a top priority for our region’s elected leaders, announced today its endorsement of Peter Hubbard and Shelia Edwards for the Georgia Public Service Commission.

Peter Hubbard was just elected to the Public Service Commission last year, and in just the few months of service on the Commission has already demonstrated a strong commitment to making sure that customers of Georgia Power are treated fairly, that they are not burdened with undue costs imposed by Georgia Power, and that they aren’t forced to shoulder financial risk for corporate shareholders’ benefit. In particular, we endorse Peter Hubbard based on the following:

His vote as a public service commissioner for the PSC to reconsider approval of Georgia Power’s unjustified building spree of predominantly methane gas power capacity, which would tack approximately $240 per year onto already-high power bills and cost customers $50-60 billion over the next 50 years
Filing a motion to remove the most expensive components of Georgia Power’s gas building spree until customer purchase contracts to justify their construction are finalized
Introducing pro-consumer amendments to promote accountability over Georgia Power’s wasteful spending on fossil fuels that consumers are forced to pay for
His history of providing expert testimony to the PSC in support of less risky energy sources in major Georgia Power cases before he ran for office
His support for a 100% clean energy future for major sectors of the Georgia economy, and calls for increasing utilization of solar energy and battery storage, and better using the grid to lower people’s bills
Ringing the alarm bells that speculative data center construction risks costing Georgians huge amounts of money, taking the position that data centers need to pay their fair share instead of raising other customers’ energy bills, and calling for a cohesive, evidence-based regulatory and policy framework for data centers

We endorse Shelia Edwards based on her stated positions on climate and clean energy issues, particularly her:

Plan to hold Georgia Power accountable and increase transparency for their customers
Commitment to fighting for lower electricity bills and protecting Georgians who face unaffordable energy bills
Support for equitable residential solar programs that benefit the utility and their customers
Commitment to make data center developers pay for new energy infrastructure and not saddle other utility customers with their costs
Call for independent data center impact assessments to evaluate their effect on the grid, environment, and public health

Dr. Stephen A. Smith, Executive Director of SACE Action Fund, said about the candidates, “We are proud to endorse two strong candidates for Georgia PSC. Peter’s technical understanding of utility regulation and his actions on the Commission over the past year and Shelia’s dedication to holding utilities accountable and addressing energy affordability demonstrate their shared commitment to protecting all Georgians. We deserve utility regulators who will protect all customers and stakeholders, not just utility shareholders. SACE Action Fund is confident both candidates will help move Georgia towards a responsive clean energy future.”

The Southern Alliance for Clean Energy Action Fund wishes Hubbard and Edwards well in their campaigns and thanks them for making clean energy progress a priority. SACE Action Fund urges Georgia residents to vote early in the general election for Peter Hubbard and Shelia Edwards. Early voting begins October 13 and runs through October 30. Election Day is November 3.

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Southern Alliance for Clean Energy Action Fund (SACE Action Fund), the political arm of the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy (SACE), is a non-partisan, non-profit (c4) organization working to ensure clean energy solutions are a top priority for our region’s elected leaders. SACE Action Fund engages in public education, legislative action, and electoral accountability here in the Southeast.

Endorsements for candidates by the SACE Action Fund are based primarily on the following endorsement criteria:

Does the candidate have a track record supporting clean energy and climate policies?
Has the candidate utilized social media or been quoted by the media expressing support for clean energy and climate change policies?
Does the candidate’s website provide a statement in support of clean energy or climate change or list clean energy or climate action policies as a priority?
How did the candidate answer on any candidate questionnaires?

Southern Alliance for Clean Energy Action Fund Endorses Jon Ossoff for U.S. Senate

October 13, 2026
CONTACT: Amy Rawe, Southern Alliance for Clean Energy Action Fund, amyr@cleanenergyactionfund.org

Atlanta, GA– The Southern Alliance for Clean Energy (SACE) Action Fund, which works to make clean energy solutions a top priority for our region’s elected leaders, announced today its endorsement of Jon Ossoff for U.S. Senate. Our endorsement is based on the following:

His proven leadership on helping lower income households access the benefits of solar power, seen in his introduction of the Clean Energy for All Homes Act of 2021 and fighting for Georgia’s Solar For All Georgia BRIGHT grant
Being a champion for clean energy manufacturing jobs in Georgia, seen in his introducing the Solar Energy Manufacturing for America Act of 2021, which became a major domestic clean energy job creation policy with strong bipartisan support, and fighting for thousands upon thousands of jobs producing solar panels, batteries, and electric vehicles

Dr. Stephen A. Smith, Executive Director of SACE Action Fund, said about Jon Ossoff, “Jon Ossoff stands up for Georgians from the fields of South Georgia to the skyrises of Atlanta. He has put in the work these last six years to prove he will work for all Georgians. He has been a national leader on helping lower income households benefit from home solar, and has been a tireless champ fighting to make sure Georgia is a top-ranking state for clean energy and electric vehicle manufacturing. We need Jon Ossoff in the U.S. Senate to keep fighting for lower energy bills, good paying advanced manufacturing jobs, and making sure all Georgians benefit from the transition to clean energy.”

The Southern Alliance for Clean Energy Action Fund wishes Ossoff well in his campaign and thanks him for making clean energy progress a priority. SACE Action Fund urges Georgia residents to vote early in the general election for Jon Ossoff. Early voting begins October 13 and runs through October 30. Election Day is November 3.

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Endorsements for candidates by the SACE Action Fund are based primarily on the following endorsement criteria:

Does the candidate have a track record supporting clean energy and climate policies?
Has the candidate utilized social media or been quoted by the media expressing support for clean energy and climate change policies?
Does the candidate’s website provide a statement in support of clean energy or climate change or list clean energy or climate action policies as a priority?
How did the candidate answer on any candidate questionnaires?

Southern Alliance for Clean Energy Action Fund Endorses Jamie Ager for U.S. Representative of North Carolina’s 11th Congressional District

October 13, 2026
CONTACT: Amy Rawe, Southern Alliance for Clean Energy Action Fund, amyr@cleanenergyactionfund.org

Asheville, NC– The Southern Alliance for Clean Energy Action Fund, which works to make clean energy solutions a top priority for our region’s elected leaders, announced today its endorsement of Jamie Ager for election to the U.S. Congress.

This endorsement is based on Jamie Ager’s stated positions on climate and energy issues, particularly his:

support for acting on solutions to climate change.
support for renewable energy, including solar.
support for a short term moratorium on data center construction to ensure that clear rules are in place to protect Western North Carolina communities before any long term commitments are made.

Dr. Stephen A. Smith, Executive Director of the SACE Action Fund, said about Ager, “Jamie Ager is the real deal. He’s been walking the walk of an environmentalist for decades, being a pioneer in climate-smart agriculture that regenerates the land and increases its fertility even while sequestering carbon. Ager is committed to lowering energy costs for all households and his approach to protecting our environment leaves little doubt that he will be a great representative the Western North Carolina way.”

The Southern Alliance for Clean Energy Action Fund wishes Ager well in his campaign and thanks him for making clean energy and climate progress a priority. SACE Action Fund urges Congressional District 11 residents to vote early to elect Jamie Ager. Early voting begins October 15 and runs through October 31. Election Day is November 3.

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Endorsements for candidates by the SACE Action Fund are based primarily on the following endorsement criteria:

Does the candidate have a track record supporting clean energy and climate policies?
Has the candidate utilized social media or been quoted by the media expressing support for clean energy and climate change policies?
Does the candidate’s website provide a statement in support of clean energy or climate change or list clean energy or climate action policies as a priority?
How did the candidate answer on any candidate questionnaires?

Southern Alliance for Clean Energy Action Fund Endorses Roy Cooper for U.S. Senator for North Carolina

October 13, 2026
CONTACT: Amy Rawe, Southern Alliance for Clean Energy Action Fund, amyr@cleanenergyactionfund.org

Asheville, NC– The Southern Alliance for Clean Energy (SACE) Action Fund, which works to make clean energy solutions a top priority for our region’s elected leaders, announced today its endorsement of Roy Cooper for election to the U.S. Senate.

The endorsement is based on Roy Cooper’s steadfast commitment to making sure that North Carolinians benefit from addressing climate change and transitioning to clean energy.

Dr. Stephen A. Smith, Executive Director of SACE Action Fund, said, “Roy Cooper’s effective leadership as Governor and Attorney General steered North Carolina to be a leader in harnessing clean energy to lower people’s energy bills and protect the state against the climate crisis. When big polluters compromised North Carolina’s clean air, Roy Cooper took them on in court. As Governor, he proved that clean energy and a thriving economy go hand-in-hand, achieving awards as a top state for business while investing in clean energy. That kind of leadership is what is sorely missing in Congress today, and Cooper as Senator will be to the benefit of all North Carolinians.”

Some examples of Roy Cooper’s environmental leadership include:

Executive Order 80, titled “North Carolina’s Commitment to Address Climate Change and Transition to a Clean Energy Economy,” which called for a major reduction in climate pollution, set a statewide goal for deployment of zero-emission vehicles, and instituted a whole-of-government approach to advancing clean energy and transportation
Executive Order 246, titled “North Carolina’s Transformation to a Clean, Equitable Economy,” which doubled down on setting strong climate and clean transportation goals, as well as instituting efforts to advance environmental justice
Suing the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) to reduce pollution from their coal fired power plants affecting the health of Western North Carolinians, and petitioning the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to reduce coal smoke pollution blowing into North Carolina from 13 other states

The Southern Alliance for Clean Energy Action Fund wishes Cooper well in his campaign and thanks him for making clean energy and climate progress a priority. SACE Action Fund urges North Carolina residents to vote early to elect Roy Cooper. Early voting begins October 15 and runs through October 31. Election Day is November 3.

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Endorsements for candidates by the SACE Action Fund are based primarily on the following endorsement criteria:

Does the candidate have a track record supporting clean energy and climate policies?
Has the candidate utilized social media or been quoted by the media expressing support for clean energy and climate change policies?
Does the candidate’s website provide a statement in support of clean energy or climate change or list clean energy or climate action policies as a priority?
How did the candidate answer on any candidate questionnaires?

Southern Alliance for Clean Energy Action Fund Endorses Justin Pearson for U.S. Representative for Tennessee’s 9th Congressional District

October 13, 2026
CONTACT: Amy Rawe, Southern Alliance for Clean Energy Action Fund, amyr@cleanenergyactionfund.org

Memphis, TN– The Southern Alliance for Clean Energy Action Fund, which works to make clean energy solutions a top priority for our region’s elected leaders, announced today its endorsement of Justin Pearson for U.S. Congress.

This endorsement is based on Pearson’s stated positions on climate and energy issues and demonstrated track record of advocacy for a clean and affordable energy future, particularly his:

Support for an equitable transition to clean energy to ensure all communities are no longer burdened by toxic, expensive fossil fuel infrastructure
Commitment to use his time in Congress to fight for climate policies that protect our farmers, cut pollution, and lower energy costs
Support for a federal moratorium and comprehensive regulations on hyperscale data centers
Experience as an environmental justice leader, specifically in the community fights against the Byhalia pipeline and SpaceXAI’s use of unpermitted methane gas turbines in Memphis, Tennessee
Decision to introduce data center legislation as a Tennessee State Representative

Dr. Stephen A. Smith, Executive Director of the SACE Action Fund, said about Pearson, “Justin Pearson is a committed leader with a long history of standing up for his constituents and his community. Pearson knows what it takes to hold powerful companies accountable for the environmental harms they cause. His commitment to environmental justice and an affordable clean energy future for all is why we are proud to endorse him for U.S. Representative of Tennessee’s 9th Congressional District.”

The Southern Alliance for Clean Energy Action Fund wishes Pearson well in his campaign and thanks him for making clean energy and climate progress a priority. SACE Action Fund urges Congressional District 9 residents to vote early for Justin Pearson. Early voting begins October 14 and runs through October 29. Election Day is November 3.

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Endorsements for candidates by the SACE Action Fund are based primarily on the following endorsement criteria:

Does the candidate have a track record supporting clean energy and climate policies?
Has the candidate utilized social media or been quoted by the media expressing support for clean energy and climate change policies?
Does the candidate’s website provide a statement in support of clean energy or climate change or list clean energy or climate action policies as a priority?
How did the candidate answer on any candidate questionnaires?

Southern Alliance for Clean Energy Action Fund Endorses Bryan Goldberg for Tennessee House of Representatives

October 14, 2026
CONTACT: Amy Rawe, Southern Alliance for Clean Energy Action Fund, amyr@cleanenergyactionfund.org

Knoxville, TN– The Southern Alliance for Clean Energy (SACE) Action Fund, which works to make clean energy solutions a top priority for our region’s elected leaders, announced today its endorsement of Bryan Goldberg for Tennessee House of Representatives District 18.

This endorsement is based on Goldberg’s stated positions on climate, data centers, and clean energy, particularly his:

Support for a moratorium on new data centers and policy changes to ensure that Tennesseans don’t foot the bill for the costly energy infrastructure data centers require
Belief that the state government should take an active role in growing Tennessee’s clean energy economy and the jobs that come with it
Belief that local governments deserve autonomy to enact and pursue their own renewable energy goals to cut pollution and create jobs in their towns and cities

Dr. Stephen A. Smith, Executive Director of the SACE Action Fund, said about Goldberg, “Bryan Goldberg is a community leader with heart and determination. His vision for Tennessee’s House District 18 is one where all residents can live a safe and comfortable life where necessities like groceries, gas, and utilities are all affordable. Goldberg is the balanced leader we need to represent Knox County in the state legislature.”

The Southern Alliance for Clean Energy Action Fund wishes Goldberg well in his campaign and thanks him for making energy affordability a priority. SACE Action Fund urges Tennessee House District 18 residents to vote early for Bryan Goldberg.

Early voting begins October 14 and runs through October 29. Election Day is November 3.

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Endorsements for candidates by the SACE Action Fund are based primarily on the following endorsement criteria:

Does the candidate have a track record supporting clean energy and climate policies?
Has the candidate utilized social media or been quoted by the media expressing support for clean energy and climate change policies?
Does the candidate’s website provide a statement in support of clean energy or climate change or list clean energy or climate action policies as a priority?
How did the candidate answer on any candidate questionnaires?

Southern Alliance for Clean Energy Action Fund Endorses Kathy Castor for U.S. Representative of Florida’s 14th Congressional District

October 13, 2026
CONTACT: Amy Rawe, Southern Alliance for Clean Energy Action Fund, amyr@cleanenergyactionfund.org

Tampa, FL– The Southern Alliance for Clean Energy Action Fund, which works to make clean energy solutions a top priority for our region’s elected leaders, announced today its endorsement of Kathy Castor for reelection to U.S. Congress.

This endorsement is based on Representative Castor’s track record of strong leadership in advocacy and policymaking for affordable clean energy and climate protection. In particular, we laud Representative Castor for:

Sponsoring and co-sponsoring many bills to promote more affordable and clean energy, like the Energy Bills Relief Act of 2026, the LOWER Energy Bills Act of 2022, the Community Solar Consumer Choice Act, the American Energy Efficiency Act, the Efficient Grid Interconnection Act, and the CLEANER Buildings Act.
Being vocal about the need for environmental justice, seen in actions such as introducing the Environmental Justice Air Quality Monitoring Act of 2022
Championing the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, which was the largest climate and clean energy policy ever enacted in our nation’s history
Leading the climate policy leaders in the U.S. House of Representatives through multiple processes to establish roadmaps for strong climate and energy policy (chairing the House Select Committee on the Climate Crisis, and helping lead the Thriving Economy Project).
Being a leader in the U.S. House to oppose negative impacts from artificial intelligence data centers, co-introducing the SHIELD Act in January 2026 and the bipartisan Ratepayer Protection Act in June 2026, to protect regular people from bearing the costs of data center construction.

Dr. Stephen A. Smith, Executive Director of the SACE Action Fund, said about Castor, “Kathy Castor’s track record being a leader on good energy and climate policy is unparalleled by anyone else in the region. Time and again, Representative Castor has worked to bring the benefits of clean energy and a healthy environment to the people of Florida and the nation. For anyone who considers themselves an environmentalist, Kathy Castor is the person to vote for.”

The Southern Alliance for Clean Energy Action Fund wishes Castor well in her campaign and thanks her for making clean energy and climate progress a priority. SACE Action Fund urges Congressional District 14 residents to vote early to reelect Kathy Castor. Statewide in-person early voting runs from Oct. 24 – 31, and some counties will have additional in-person early voting dates available between Oct. 19 and Nov. 1. Check your county’s Supervisor of Elections website for the exact dates in your county. Election Day is November 3.

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Endorsements for candidates by the SACE Action Fund are based primarily on the following endorsement criteria:

Does the candidate have a track record supporting clean energy and climate policies?
Has the candidate utilized social media or been quoted by the media expressing support for clean energy and climate change policies?
Does the candidate’s website provide a statement in support of clean energy or climate change or list clean energy or climate action policies as a priority?
How did the candidate answer on any candidate questionnaires?

Southern Alliance for Clean Energy Action Fund Endorses David Jolly for Florida Governor

October 16, 2026
CONTACT: Amy Rawe, Southern Alliance for Clean Energy Action Fund, amyr@cleanenergyactionfund.org

Tallahassee, FL– The Southern Alliance for Clean Energy Action Fund, which works to make clean energy solutions a top priority for our region’s elected leaders, announced today its endorsement of David Jolly for Governor of Florida.

This endorsement is based on David Jolly’s steadfast commitment to ensuring that Floridians benefit from addressing climate change and transitioning to clean energy. Some examples of David Jolly’s leadership on climate, clean energy, and energy affordability include:

His support for increasing solar and wind power to lower people’s energy bills and reduce the economic risk from heavy reliance on methane gas power
His position that, as Governor, he would appoint individuals to serve on the Florida Public Service Commission who would begin to require utilities to incorporate more clean and renewable energy
Calling for an immediate statewide moratorium on data centers until environmental, community, and economic protections are put in place

Dr. Stephen A. Smith, Executive Director of SACE Action Fund, said, “We are proud to endorse David Jolly because of his bold leadership to help Floridians benefit from clean energy. He understands that in the Sunshine State, we need to do more to harness the free sunlight pouring down on us every day to lower our energy bills and protect Floridians from worsening extreme weather. As Governor, David Jolly will work to help the Sunshine State live up to its name.”

The Southern Alliance for Clean Energy Action Fund wishes Jolly well in his campaign and thanks him for making clean energy and climate progress a priority. SACE Action Fund urges Florida residents to vote early for David Jolly for Governor. Statewide in-person early voting runs from Oct. 24 – 31, and some counties will have additional in-person early voting dates available between Oct. 19 and Nov. 1. Check your county’s Supervisor of Elections website for the exact dates in your county. Election Day is November 3.

# # #

Endorsements for candidates by the SACE Action Fund are based primarily on the following endorsement criteria:

Does the candidate have a track record supporting clean energy and climate policies?
Has the candidate utilized social media or been quoted by the media expressing support for clean energy and climate change policies?
Does the candidate’s website provide a statement in support of clean energy or climate change or list clean energy or climate action policies as a priority?
How did the candidate answer on any candidate questionnaires?

Southern Alliance for Clean Energy Action Fund Endorses Brandi Gabbard for Mayor of St. Petersburg, FL

July 30, 2026
CONTACT: Amy Rawe, Southern Alliance for Clean Energy Action Fund, amyr@cleanenergyactionfund.org

St. Petersburg, FL – The Southern Alliance for Clean Energy Action Fund, which works to make clean energy solutions a top priority for our region’s elected leaders, announced today its endorsement of Brandi Gabbard for Mayor of St. Petersburg, Florida.

This endorsement is based on Gabbard’s stated positions on climate and energy issues and demonstrated track record of advocacy for clean and affordable energy, particularly her:

Plan to investigate whether a municipal or cooperative utility model can provide economic relief for St. Petersburg and its residents by lowering energy rates and keeping utility revenue local
Commitment to implementing the Resilient St. Pete Action Plan, which she championed as former Tampa Bay Regional Planning Council Chair and Vice-Chair of the St. Petersburg City Council
Support for the creation of high-paying green jobs to address the city’s sustainability and resilience needs
History of advocating for equitable access to electric vehicle charging as a city council member

Dr. Stephen A. Smith, Executive Director of the SACE Action Fund, said about Gabbard, “Councilwoman Brandi Gabbard has the vision and leadership skills to be St. Petersburg’s next mayor, and we are proud to support her candidacy. She has a proven track record of addressing the difficult issue of making St. Pete more resilient against extreme weather and protecting our natural places, all with an eye on lower energy costs for our residents. She is also not afraid to stand up to powerful special interests to seek lower costs for our electric bills.”

The Southern Alliance for Clean Energy Action Fund wishes Gabbard well in her campaign and thanks her for making clean energy and climate progress a priority. SACE Action Fund urges St. Pete residents to vote early in the August primary election for Brandi Gabbard. Early voting begins August 8 and runs through August 16. Election Day is August 18.

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Endorsements for candidates by the SACE Action Fund are based primarily on the following endorsement criteria:

Does the candidate have a track record supporting clean energy and climate policies?
Has the candidate utilized social media or been quoted by the media expressing support for clean energy and climate change policies?
Does the candidate’s website provide a statement in support of clean energy or climate change or list clean energy or climate action policies as a priority?
How did the candidate answer on any candidate questionnaires?