By Camille Rohde | September X, 2026
Fossil fuel campaign contributions emerged as a point of contention for voters in California’s primaries this June. With more midterm elections on the horizon, how can candidates assert their climate commitments to voters? One answer is simple: pledge to take no money from the fossil fuel industry.
Ahead of California’s June primaries, multiple sources highlighted the role of fossil fuel money in the state’s gubernatorial race. This isn’t a new phenomenon- California lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have long received support from the fossil fuel industry. In 2024, nearly two-thirds of fossil fuel donations statewide went to Democrats alone.
The contrast is striking. California is often viewed as a national leader on environmental policy, yet many of its elected officials continue to accept campaign contributions from prominent fossil fuel interests.
The influence of fossil fuel dollars on California’s elections became all the more clear as Xavier Becerra emerged as the Democratic frontrunner in the gubernatorial race this June. Throughout his decades long career in politics, Becerra has accepted generous contributions from the fossil fuel industry again and again. In June’s primaries, contributions from the oil and gas industry to Becerra’s gubernatorial campaign became a pain point for climate advocates and voters. While Becerra has proposed some climate policies of merit such as a solar powered free hour of electricity, his trail of pro-fossil fuel campaign finances is hard to ignore.
How can our elected leaders champion a just transition away from fossil fuels while they’re still bankrolled by Big Oil?
A coalition called No Fossil Fuel Money believes it has an answer. The coalition has created a clear, public commitment that political candidates can make to demonstrate their climate credibility: a pledge to refuse to accept fossil fuel money.
I recently spoke with Carlos Davidson, a representative of Fossil Free California Votes in the No Fossil Fuel Money coalition, about the pledge and its role in holding politicians accountable.
Who Is No Fossil Fuel Money?
No Fossil Fuel Money is a coalition of environmental organizations dedicated to reducing the influence of the fossil fuel industry in politics. Its work centers on encouraging politicians to take their No Fossil Fuel Money Pledge, maintaining a database of Pledge signatories, and holding those signatories accountable.
The No Fossil Fuel Money Pledge was created in 2017 by Oil Change Action and Climate Hawks Vote, two organizations that were growing frustrated by the influence of fossil fuel dollars in elections. Together, these organizations established and shared the Pledge to bring the impact of fossil fuel money to the forefront of voter’s minds.
After a successful trial run promoting the Pledge at the 2017 California Democratic Convention, more organizations were brought into the fold and the No Fossil Fuel Money coalition was officially born. Today, the coalition collaborates with dozens of partner organizations that support the Pledge.
Fast Facts About the Pledge
The No Fossil Fuel Money Pledge is a simple yet powerful statement:
“I pledge not to take contributions over $200 from oil, gas, and coal industry executives, lobbyists, and PACs and instead prioritize the health of our families, climate, and democracy over fossil fuel industry profits.”
By taking the Pledge, politicians agree not to accept contributions from fossil fuel executives, lobbyists, or political action committees connected to companies whose primary business involves the extraction, processing, distribution, or sale of oil, gas, or coal.
“The fossil fuel industry is the single largest barrier to addressing climate change.” Davidson emphasizes. “Their lobbying and campaign contributions influence politicians and prevent the passage of climate-related legislation.”
The Pledge helps tackle the issue of fossil fuel spending at its core by keeping the heat on politicians to not accept fossil fuel dollars.
Since its launch, the Pledge has gained significant traction. More than 5,675 politicians have signed on to date, including former President Joe Biden, former Vice President Kamala Harris, Senator Cory Booker, and Boston Mayor Michelle Wu. According to No Fossil Fuel Money, 880 additional politicians took the Pledge in 2026.
Why It Matters
Supporters of the No Fossil Fuel Money Pledge argue that fossil fuel money has a measurable impact on climate policy.
“Prior to the 2026 election cycle, the fossil fuel industry was by far the largest spender on lobbying in California,” Davidson said.
Public lobbying records support Davidson’s claim. Over the past decade, the Western States Petroleum Association and Chevron have consistently ranked amongst California’s highest spending lobbyists. Both companies combined poured over 17 million dollars into California elections in just the first half of this year.
The influence of fossil fuel lobbying can also be seen in California’s legislative bodies. Climate Superfund proposals designed to make big polluters foot the bill for climate disasters have been repeatedly shot down in the California State Legislature amid an opposition effort spearheaded by fossil fuel interests. In 2023, those same interests helped defeat three other environmental bills in the California State Senate.
For climate advocates, the Pledge offers a straightforward way for politicians to separate themselves from those interests.
How Violations Are Handled
No Fossil Fuel Money actively monitors campaign finance disclosures through sources such as Open Secrets and tracks pledged politicians to identify potential violations.
When a violation is first discovered, the coalition asks the politician to return the contribution. If they refuse, the coalition publicizes the violation through social media campaigns and other forms of outreach. No Fossil Fuel Money also maintains a public “Wall of Shame” webpage that lists politicians who violated the pledge and failed to remedy the situation after a grace period.
“It’s about stigmatizing the fossil fuel industry so politicians stop taking their money” Mr. Davidson explained.
These measures ensure that the Pledge is more than a symbolic gesture.
What Politicians Can Do
Taking the No Fossil Fuel Money Pledge is straightforward and open to politicians at every level of government.
Politicians only need to take three short steps to make official:
- Print and sign a copy of the pledge, then take a photo or video of themselves signing the Pledge.
- Share the photo or video on social media or a campaign website with the hashtag #NoFossilFuelMoney.
- Submit the official Pledge form at this link.
The process takes only a few minutes and provides voters with a clear statement about where a candidate stands.
Looking Ahead
With November’s midterms fast approaching, Davidson and Fossil Free California Votes are busy promoting their new action where Californians can send a letter to members of the California State Legislature demanding that they take the No Fossil Fuel Money Pledge. The growing number of letters being sent is reflective of the growing importance climate issues hold for California’s voters.
Millennials and Gen Z now make up the largest voting bloc in the United States. Both generations see climate change impacting their homes, jobs, health and pocketbooks. As the effects of climate change become more visible in their daily life it becomes a more pressing issue for these voters, who are demanding stronger action from their elected officials.
For candidates seeking to demonstrate their commitment to climate solutions, the Pledge offers a simple, public, and measurable first step. In an era of growing skepticism about the influence of money in politics, that kind of commitment may be exactly what voters are looking for.
Camille Rohde is the former Director of Research and Publications at Change the Chamber, a youth-led climate coalition advocating for pro-science policy.
Camille Rohde
Camille Rohde is the former Director of Research and Publications at Change the Chamber, a youth-led climate coalition advocating for pro-science policy.