CHICAGO, IL (November 4, 2026) — With the bulk of the races with implications for the Great Lakes decided, the Alliance for the Great Lakes issued the following statement from President and CEO Joel Brammeier:
“Great Lakes voters turned out in record numbers, a sign of the growing Great Lakes movement that expects our elected officials to address the pressing issues facing our lakes.
“Candidates have now heard from constituents that they want immediate action on issues critical to the Great Lakes region. As the final races are called, we look forward to working with our partners, community members, and people across the Great Lakes to use the momentum from this generational change to tackle Great Lakes issues that affect us today and will face us tomorrow.
“Voters rejected an agenda that undermined science and the rules that protect our water and they recognized the importance of their communities standing together. This election is evidence that people are ready for change.
“The Great Lakes region is represented by leaders from both major political parties, elected by voters with a wide range of political perspectives and affiliations. That political diversity is one of our region’s strengths. We look forward to working with our historic Great Lakes champions in Congress and the states, and many newly elected officials as well. Great Lakes states’ governors are also critical partners in keeping the lakes healthy and clean.
“The issues the Great Lakes face are too pressing to wait. Too many Great Lakers don’t have access to safe and clean water that protects their health. The scourge of plastic pollution grows, toxic algal blooms continue to threaten public health, and the proliferation of large water users like data centers needs to be immediately addressed.”
The Alliance will hold a webinar on Tuesday, December 8, at 12pm CT/1pm ET for an in-depth conversation about what the election results mean for the Great Lakes and the communities that depend on them. Sign up here.
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Contact: Don Carr, Media Director, Alliance for the Great Lakes dcarr@greatlakes.org