Sierra Club Endorses Elissa Silverman and Matt Frumin for DC Council, Brian Schwalb for DC Attorney General

September 28, 2022

The Sierra Club endorses independent Elissa Silverman for a third term serving as an at-large DC Council councilmember, Ward 3 DC Council Democratic nominee Matt Frumin and Democratic nominee for DC Attorney General Brian Schwalb.

The Sierra Club endorsed Elissa Silverman for DC Council in 2014 and 2018, and is eager to see Councilmember Silverman return for another term.

“Elissa Silverman has been a consistent vote for an equitable transition off dirty energy while ensuring the most vulnerable DC residents are first in line to benefit from the transition,” said Mark Rodeffer, chair of the Sierra Club DC Chapter Political Committee. “Councilmember Silverman has a long history of working to protect underserved communities, often amid opposition from monied special interests fighting progress. Energy utilities are among the the most powerful interests in the District, and we look forward to continuing to work with Councilmember Silverman to stand up for everyday DC residents facing rising utility bills and increasing housing costs. As our gas utility seeks to raise rates and pollute indoor air, we know Councilmember Silverman stands on the side of the people.”

The Sierra Club encourages its members to contribute to Elissa Silverman’s campaign. Because she’s a Fair Elections candidate, contributions from DC residents will be matched five-to one. So a $10 contribution turns into $60, $50 results in $300 and $100 becomes $600. As a Fair Elections candidate, Elissa Silverman cannot accept donations over $100.

In Ward 3, the Sierra Club is proud to endorse longtime community activist Matt Frumin.

“Matt Frumin has a robust environmental platform that includes fully funding WMATA to provide safe and reliable service, transitioning DC’s buildings from fracked gas to electricity from renewable sources, and preparing DC residents for the green jobs of the future,” Rodeffer said. “Filling the seat of environmental champion and 16-year DC Councilmember Mary Cheh will be no easy task, but Matt Frumin has committed to us that he will hit the ground running to build on Councilmember Cheh’s distinguished legacy.”

The Sierra Club enthusiastically endorses Brian Schwalb to be DC’s second elected attorney general.

“Brian Schwalb will use the power of the law to fight for clean energy, clean air, and clean water for DC residents,” Rodeffer said. “Brian Schwalb has committed to ending DC’s reliance on fossil fuels for building heat and transportation. He will work to coordinate DC and federal resources to replace lead pipes, most of which are in historically underserved communities in Wards 5, 7 and 8. The Sierra Club looks forward to working with Brian Schwalb to safeguard the environment in DC and improve the quality of life for all District residents.”

The Sierra Club has previously endorsed DC Council candidates Brianne Nadeau in Ward 1, Zachary Parker in Ward 5, Charles Allen in Ward 6, and Phil Mendelson for DC Council chairman.

The DC Board of Elections begins sending mail-in ballots to all registered voters on October 3. Ballot drop boxes open on October 14. In-person early voting centers are open from October 31 to November 6. Election Day is November 8.

About the Sierra Club

The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with millions of members and supporters. In the District, we have 3,000 dues-paying members and thousands more supporters. We work to promote clean energy, expand sustainable transportation, reduce waste, and safeguard our rivers and drinking water. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org/dc.