Wow, John. I'm still a little bit in shock — but we did it!

After a long week glued to the news, I can finally breathe a big sigh of relief. After almost all of the votes have been counted, the American people made it clear that they want a new leader who, among so many important things, believes in science, promises to protect our environment, and understands the urgency of the climate crisis.

In 2018, because of MCV members like you, Mainers helped usher in a new era of pro-conservation leaders in Augusta who are working to address climate change, protect our air, water and land, and implement policies to reduce pollution and carbon emissions.

Now, thanks again to MCV members like you — who called and texted friends, got the word out on social media, and most importantly, voted in this election — Maine once again set the example for the nation that an unabashed pro-science, pro-environmental message is a winning message.

As Maine goes, so goes the nation!

While we can and should take the opportunity to celebrate, we must also begin the hard work to ensure that the incoming Biden administration not only acts quickly to pick a strong, pro-conservation cabinet, rejoin the Paris Agreement, and push for bold climate policies, but that it also understands we have their backs to tackle the immediate challenges that lie ahead: the pandemic and the economy. 

We remain incredibly hopeful that President-elect Biden, unlike the current occupant of the White House, will bring together the greatest minds in science and public health to combat the pandemic, because we'll need that same faith in facts and science to fight the climate crisis.

We are also excited that Mainers chose to send our House delegation, Reps. Chellie Pingree and Jared Golden, back to Congress, and we will count on their work to further important environmental and climate action. Yet, we are disappointed that Sara Gideon, an incredible climate champion and environmental leader in the State House, will not be our next U.S. Senator. We know we will see so much more from Sara in the months and years to come to fight for Maine and our environment.

We can't thank you for everything you've done to ensure these victories — and we are so hopeful for the future because we have you on our side.

Onward,