Climate Action Is Smart Politics in Six Swing States

Voters in six key U.S. swing states show strong support for policies that reduce fossil fuel emissions and expand renewable energy, with many indicating they are more likely to support political candidates who champion these initiatives. The report finds that climate change is a salient issue, particularly among Democratic-leaning voters, and that a majority of voters in these states recognize a link between climate change and worsening extreme weather. There is broad preference for prioritizing wind and solar energy over natural gas or nuclear power to meet state energy needs, and voters generally believe that transitioning to renewables will benefit their local economies and public health.

• Climate change is a high-priority issue for voters in several swing states, ranking second to health care as a top voting priority in Ohio (25%) and Michigan (26%).
• A majority of voters in the surveyed swing states are more likely to support candidates who back climate policies. Examples include 74% of Florida voters favoring a 100% renewable portfolio standard (RPS) by 2050, 63% of Michigan voters supporting a carbon tax, 66% of Ohio voters favoring stronger fuel efficiency standards, and 74% of Texas voters supporting expanded government funding for renewables.
• Voters in all six states connect climate change to extreme weather, with support for this link ranging from 62% in Georgia and Ohio to 70% in Iowa. Consequently, between 58% and 64% of voters believe news media should discuss climate change's impact while extreme weather events are still unfolding.
• There is a strong preference for renewable energy over other power sources for meeting state energy needs. In Michigan (69%), Texas (67%), Georgia (64%), and Ohio (63%), voters prioritize wind and solar over natural gas or nuclear power.
• Voters perceive economic and health benefits in transitioning to renewable energy. In Iowa (67%), Georgia (55%), and Ohio (54%), voters believe increasing renewables would create more jobs than expanding domestic oil and gas production. Additionally, 70% of Georgians and 69% of Ohioans believe a renewable portfolio standard would improve public health.

APA

A., L., E., M., J., K., & S., R. (2019). Climate Action Is Smart Politics in Six Swing States. Center for Climate Change Communication. https://climatecommunication.gmu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/ClimateNexus_Memo_Annual_Climate_Change_State_Poll.pdf

Chicago

A., Leiserowitz,, Maibach, E., Kotcher, J., and Rosenthal, S. Climate Action Is Smart Politics in Six Swing States. Center for Climate Change Communication, 2019. https://climatecommunication.gmu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/ClimateNexus_Memo_Annual_Climate_Change_State_Poll.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |last1=A. |first1=Leiserowitz, |last2=E. |first2=Maibach, |last3=J. |first3=Kotcher, |last4=S. |first4=Rosenthal, |title=Climate Action Is Smart Politics in Six Swing States |publisher=Center for Climate Change Communication |date=2019 |url=https://climatecommunication.gmu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/ClimateNexus_Memo_Annual_Climate_Change_State_Poll.pdf |access-date=23 October 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{a2019climate, author = {A., Leiserowitz, and E., Maibach, and J., Kotcher, and S., Rosenthal,}, title = {{Climate Action Is Smart Politics in Six Swing States}}, institution = {Center for Climate Change Communication}, year = {2019}, url = {https://climatecommunication.gmu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/ClimateNexus_Memo_Annual_Climate_Change_State_Poll.pdf}, urldate = {2026-10-23}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }