Sweeney: Vote for a cleaner California, not PG&E’s man in Sacramento

The Assembly District 26 race is seeing the highest level of outside candidate spending by utility giant PG&E, which is pouring unprecedented funds into backing Patrick Ahrens. Far more than in any other state legislative race in California.

Our environment, health and pocketbooks are all on the line, and we need leaders who will prioritize the people — not corporate interests. This is why Tara Sreekrishnan is the clear choice for State Assembly in District 26.

Sreekrishnan’s opponent has spent years entrenched in Sacramento’s political machine as the “right-hand man” to Assemblymember Evan Low, supporting policies that have enabled corporate giants like PG&E to sidestep accountability. Ahrens’ record shows a politician loyal to Sacramento insiders, whose close ties to powerful corporations like PG&E leave everyday Californians behind. If Ahrens is elected, Californians can expect more of the same: rising costs, unchecked pollution and corporate protection over public welfare.

PG&E already poured six figures into supporting Ahrens during the primary election, and just last week, they dumped another $100,000 to support Ahrens and oppose Sreekrishnan in the general election, doubling down on its efforts. This flood of outside money underscores PG&E’s deep-pocketed commitment to installing a candidate who appears aligned with its corporate agenda. San José Spotlight has documented the tactics behind this super PAC’s influence, including misinformation campaigns and attack ads targeting Sreekrishnan, who has consistently stood up for residents, not corporate profits.

PG&E’s record is as troubling as it is long. In recent years, the utility has spent millions lobbying lawmakers and using political connections to secure favorable treatment, including bailouts that shift the financial burden of its mistakes onto Californians. After being found responsible for deadly fires like the Camp Fire, PG&E leveraged its power to shield itself from accountability, while continuing to hike utility rates on residents. The utility’s strategy is clear: protect profits at all costs, even as communities face higher bills and increased wildfire risks.

Californians are ready to take bold steps to protect our climate and reduce utility costs, yet Ahrens has no plan to make that happen. As a reliable yes-man for PG&E, Ahrens is simply not the voice we need if we’re serious about going green, cutting pollution and keeping utility costs down.

Sreekrishnan, on the other hand, is a steadfast advocate for reducing emissions, lowering energy bills and investing in renewable energy sources that will create jobs and keep Californians safe. Sreekrishnan understands the urgent need to protect our climate and continue California’s nation-leading transition to sustainable energy. She’s the only candidate with the environmental endorsements to prove it.

She has earned the support of Sierra Club California, Sierra Club Loma Prieta Chapter, Climate Action California, California Environmental Voters (formerly the League of Conservation Voters) and Jane Fonda’s Climate PAC — a testament to her commitment to a sustainable, people-centered California.

If we want a cleaner, greener, more affordable future, we need leaders like Tara Sreekrishnan. She’s the only candidate in this race who will stand up to big utilities and protect California’s environment and our wallets.

Adam Sweeney serves on the board of Climate Action California.