Two Huge Reasons to Vote for the Planet in 2025
This fall’s elections in Pennsylvania and New Jersey are not just about politics — they’re about the future of clean air, safe water, and a livable climate. Here’s why your vote matters more than ever.
Reason #1: Keep Pennsylvania’s Supreme Court Democratic
Republican billionaire Jeff Yass is trying to hijack the Pennsylvania Supreme Court.
What’s at stake: The Court is currently 5–2 Democratic. But three Democratic justices are up for retention. If voters kick them out, the Court deadlocks 2–2 until 2028¹ — paralyzing environmental and democratic protections.
Why it matters: This Court has already:
Ruled that environmental funds must actually go to the environment.
Struck down GOP gerrymandering schemes.
Who’s fighting dirty: Yass — a Trump megadonor — is funneling millions in dark money through Commonwealth Partners to blanket PA with attack ads. In an off-year, low-turnout election, that disinformation blitz could work.
The Pennsylvania Bar Association recommends retaining all three justices. We need to vote yes on retention, spread the word, and keep the Court a defender of democracy and the planet.
Also: vote yes on other judicial retentions and back Democrats in the open seats.
Reason #2: The New Jersey Governor’s Race
With Washington in chaos and Trump pushing fossil fuels, state leadership is the front line for climate action.
The Democrat: Mikie Sherrill — Navy helicopter pilot, former federal prosecutor, and mom of four. She knows environmental policy means good jobs, lower costs, and less climate damage.
The Republican: Jack Ciatterelli — a Trump-aligned businessman who would slash environmental programs.
New Jersey usually leans blue, but don’t take it for granted. Trump still has strong support, and this race could tighten fast.
The choice is crystal clear:
Vote Mikie Sherrill for governor.
Protect the Democratic majority in the state legislature.
Bottom Line
The 2025 elections in PA and NJ will decide whether we move toward clean energy and fair democracy — or let billionaires and fossil fuel backers drag us backward.
RESOURCES
Technically, Josh Shapiro would get to nominate replacement justices, but the Republican Senate would have to approve each by a two-thirds majority. Not happening. The replacement elections would take place in fall 2027 and the justices would not be seated until January 2028.