Climate activist Bill McKibben of Ripton has endorsed Senate President Pro Tempore Becca Balint’s Democratic candidacy for the U.S. House.
Balint’s congressional campaign announced the endorsement Thursday in a news release, which celebrated McKibben’s endorsement as “remarkable and humbling.” McKibben cofounded 350.org and has authored numerous books and articles on climate change and the environment.
McKibben had previously endorsed the congressional bid of state Sen. Kesha Ram Hinsdale, D-Chittenden. But last week, Ram Hinsdale dropped out of the U.S. House race and threw her own support behind Balint.
In Thursday’s news release, McKibben touted Balint’s “extensive career” and her “talent for the give-and-take that legislating requires.”
“My sense is she’ll be a superb representative for our small state in Washington,” he continued. “Our national political system is very nearly broken; I’m not sure it can be mended, but if anyone has a chance, it’s a dedicated and able legislator like Becca.”
— Sarah Mearhoff