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New poll finds bold environmental agenda would boost candidates’ standing among Democratic primary voters
Voters believe clean energy transition will lower energy bills
As New Jersey gears up for a historic gubernatorial election, a new poll shows that overwhelming majorities of likely Democratic voters support strong action to protect the environment — and believe that a clean energy transition would lower costs for working families.
The poll, conducted by Global Strategy Group on behalf of the New Jersey League of Conservation Voters, shows that voters are looking for a candidate for governor who will make climate change one of their top priorities and take decisive action to push back against Donald Trump’s harmful agenda in Washington.
Key findings include that:
- Two-thirds of voters (67%) would be MUCH more likely to vote for a candidate who “supports bold climate policies that will push back against President Trump’s anti-environmental agenda - a slightly higher percentage than the 65% who say that they would be much more likely to vote for a candidate who “would make protecting abortion rights and lowering costs their top priorities.”
- An overwhelming number of Democratic primary voters — nearly 90% — have a favorable view of clean energy, and 80% have a favorable view of lawmakers who take action to combat climate change, as well as regulations that will reduce carbon pollution.
- More than 80% of likely primary voters agree that using more clean energy would lower New Jersey families’ energy bills, and nearly 85% believe that using more clean energy would create quality, union jobs.
- Nearly 90% believe that it is even more important for New Jersey to take bold action to protect the environment at the state level given the extreme agenda Trump is rolling out in Washington.
“This poll shows that support for strong environmental action isn’t just good for the climate — it’s good politics, too,” said Ed Potosnak, Executive Director of the New Jersey League of Conservation Voters. “Voters recognize that a clean energy transition is key to lowering skyrocketing costs, and they are looking for a candidate who will take a strong stand against Trump. As Trump tries to enrich the corporate oil and gas CEOs who funded his campaign, Democratic voters are looking for a candidate who will put their health, well-being, and economic future first.”
“These data couldn’t be more clear,” said Andrew Baumann, Partner at Global Strategy Group. “Democratic primary voters in New Jersey are looking for a candidate for governor who will make climate change a top priority and push back on Donald Trump’s anti-environmental agenda.”
In addition to strong action to fight climate change, New Jersey Democratic voters strongly support an array of environmental policies, from removing harmful chemicals, like PFAS, from drinking water (more than 90%) to ensuring that every New Jerseyan has access to a park within a mile of their home (more than 75%).
“As our gubernatorial candidates roll out their platforms in the coming weeks, it’s clear that primary voters are hungering for a plan that puts New Jersey at the forefront of strong environmental policy,” Potosnak added. “They will be watching closely for a candidate who is ready to lead by prioritizing policies that protect public health, create jobs, and lower costs for themselves and their families.”
The poll, which surveyed 800 likely 2025 Democratic primary voters between November 21 and November 25, has a margin of error of 3.5%.
A polling memo detailing additional results from the survey is attached.