Energy Costs Divide Virginia, New Jersey Governor Candidates/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Voters in Virginia and New Jersey are feeling the sting of rising utility costs. Energy policies, particularly around clean energy vs. fossil fuels, have become central issues in both governor’s races. Candidates remain split along party lines on how to bring down power bills.
Energy Costs Divide – Quick Looks
- Voters in both Virginia and New Jersey voice growing concerns over skyrocketing electricity bills.
- Democrats promote clean energy expansion; Republicans push for traditional energy and blame green policies for rate hikes.
- Virginia’s and New Jersey’s elections may signal national energy policy sentiment ahead of 2026 midterms.
- Clean energy policies, regional greenhouse gas programs, and offshore wind projects are central campaign battlegrounds.
- Data centers and AI technologies contribute to rising energy demand and infrastructure pressure.
- Political donations from utility companies and green advocacy groups highlight the financial stakes involved.
Energy Costs Divide Virginia, New Jersey Governor Candidates
Deep Look
As voters head to the polls in Virginia and New Jersey, surging utility bills are fueling political division and defining the debate in both states’ gubernatorial elections. Residents across both states say their electricity bills are steadily rising, often outpacing their efforts to reduce usage.
In Virginia, a recent town hall themed “The energy bills are too damn high” drew frustrated voters like Kim Wilson, who said her monthly bill keeps rising despite conservation efforts. Similarly, New Jersey resident Herb Michitsch reports that his electric bill now nears $400 monthly—quadruple what he paid 50 years ago.
While there’s consensus that energy costs are a major concern, the solutions divide sharply along party lines.
Policy Divides: Clean Energy vs. Traditional Fuels
Democratic candidates in both states are doubling down on renewable energy. They argue that investments in solar and wind will reduce long-term costs, stimulate job growth, and help mitigate climate change. Republican opponents, however, are warning that aggressive green policies are driving up utility prices and pushing infrastructure beyond its limits.
Virginia’s Democratic candidate Abigail Spanberger supports expanding wind and solar energy production, pointing to a large offshore wind project near Virginia Beach. She also wants data centers—major electricity consumers—to contribute more to energy infrastructure costs. Spanberger’s Republican opponent, Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears, dismisses reliance on renewables, arguing they are inconsistent sources of energy. In a recent debate, she mocked Spanberger’s focus on solar and wind: “What will you do when the sun isn’t shining and the breeze isn’t blowing?”
New Jersey’s race mirrors that divide. Democrat Mikie Sherrill advocates a freeze on electricity rates and supports developing more affordable and renewable power generation. Republican Jack Ciattarelli, endorsed by President Donald Trump, blames the Democratic-controlled state government for escalating energy prices. He opposes offshore wind farms and has pledged to pull New Jersey out of a regional greenhouse gas trading program. “Electricity is at an all-time high,” Ciattarelli declared during a campaign debate.
Technology’s Role in Rising Bills
Both states face a spike in electricity usage, driven by explosive demand from data centers and the energy-intensive requirements of artificial intelligence systems. In Virginia, this is especially pronounced, as the state hosts the world’s largest data center market. Utilities warn of future price hikes due to inflation, AI, and infrastructure strain.
The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research recently found that 36% of U.S. adults say utility bills are a major source of financial stress. The concern is strong enough that groups like Clean Virginia are becoming more politically active. For the first time, the clean energy advocacy group has endorsed all three Democratic candidates running for statewide office in Virginia.
On the Republican side, candidates have accepted campaign donations from Dominion Energy, the state’s largest utility provider, intensifying scrutiny over the influence of energy lobbyists. Dominion has also been a significant donor to Republican House Minority Leader Terry Kilgore, who attempted unsuccessfully to scale back parts of Virginia’s Clean Economy Act earlier this year.
The act, passed in 2020, requires the state to eliminate carbon-based electricity generation by 2045. Kilgore and others argue that such deadlines are unrealistic and unaffordable for rural residents.
“If their bills go any higher,” he warned, “there are folks in my region that are not able to pay them now. They’re definitely not going to be able to pay them in the future.”
Voters Demand Action
While candidates battle over climate and cost, the voting public seems increasingly focused on relief. Some voters, like Herb Michitsch in New Jersey, support Sherrill’s energy proposals. He believes her rate freeze initiative shows she’s serious about making a difference.
“We need change,” Michitsch said. “And I think she is here to change things.”
For both states, these elections could serve as a referendum on broader national energy policy. With data center energy demand rising, AI tech accelerating, and climate legislation under scrutiny, the results in Virginia and New Jersey could offer a glimpse into where voters want the nation to head on one of its most pressing economic issues.
You must Register or Login to post a comment.