Washington, DC – Today,  LCV Victory Fund’s state affiliates announced the final candidates to the 2022 Dirty Dozen in the States. Modeled after LCV Victory Fund’s federal Dirty Dozen, the Dirty Dozen in the States highlights 12 of the worst environmental candidates in the nation at the state and local level. The first six candidates were announced in August, with four additions earlier this month. Members of the Dirty Dozen in the States have consistently sided against the environment and are a danger to our democracy. The two final candidates were chosen regardless of party affiliation by LCV Victory Fund’s state affiliates in the Conservation Voter Movement. 

The two new candidates:

• Arizona Corporation Commission candidate – Kevin Thompson 
• Michigan Attorney General candidate – Matthew DePerno

Previously announced candidates:

• • Connecticut candidate for Governor Bob Stefanowski 
  • Maine candidate for Governor Paul LePage
  • Maryland candidate for Governor Dan Cox
  • Nevada candidate for Secretary of State Jim Marchant
  • New Mexico candidate for Governor Mark Ronchetti 
  • Ohio candidate for Supreme Court Justice Pat DeWine
  • Oregon candidates for Governor Betsy Johnson & Christine Drazan
  • Pennsylvania Candidate for Governor Doug Mastriano
  • Wisconsin candidate for Governor Tim Michels 

“Across the country, the same candidates who attack clean energy jobs, want to block climate action, and protect big polluters are the same people trying to undermine our democracy,” said Pete Maysmith LCV Victory Fund Senior Vice President of Campaigns. “Up and down the ticket voters have a clear choice this election and working with our state affiliates, we are determined to make sure they know who is on their side.”

Because of state and local action, 40% of the country now lives in a place committed to 100% clean energy. If voters elect a pro-climate action majority to the Arizona Corporation Commission, the state could be the next to move to clean electricity. This also comes at a time when our democracy is under attack. State Attorneys General play a key role overseeing the vote and ensuring every legal step is taken to protect voters’ access to the polls.

See more information on why each new candidate was nominated below:

Arizona Corporation Commission – Kevin Thompson – nominated by Chispa Arizona

Kevin Thompson spent over a decade working at Southwest Gas, the largest provider of fracked gas in the state and one of the same companies he’d be tasked with regulating as Commissioner. He also served on the American Gas Association’s public policy committee, a trade association who has fought against many local climate initiatives. Thompson opposes mandates like the state’s renewable energy standard, incentives for electric vehicles, and even energy efficiency requirements for utilities. If a seat is flipped on the ACC this year, it could be the swing vote to bring 100% clean electricity to Arizona. 

Michigan Attorney General – Matthew DePerno – Nominated by Conservation Voters of Michigan PAC

Attorney General candidate Matthew DePerno led the charge to attack Michigan election results, quickly becoming a national figure in former President Trump’s effort to overturn the 2020 election. He filed a lawsuit to overturn county election results, continues to push the conspiracy theory that state voting machines were broken into and changed, and is under investigation for alleged illegal tampering with voting machines. He has also committed to ending the state’s lawsuit against Enbridge and their Line 5 oil pipeline that would run directly under Lake Michigan, threatening the Great Lakes.

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Paid for by LCV Victory Fund, www.lcvvictoryfund.org, and not authorized by any candidate or candidate’s committee.