On the Road: High School Democrats Summit & Environmental Leaders Meetings in DC

Chair Deatrick was in Washington, DC from July 13 to 17, as a featured speaker at the High School Democrats of America's annual Summit, held at Georgetown University. She addressed high school Democratic leaders from across the country on why climate and energy affordability are winning issues for Democrats heading into the midterms. She argued that data centers are the sleeper issue of the 2026 election — driving up utility bills, draining state budgets through tax breaks, and surfacing in races from Michigan statewide contests to Texas city council seats — and made the case for down-ballot utility and public service commission races as where that fight gets won. She closed by asking students to bring back what they're hearing from their own communities about AI, jobs, and cost of living. 

Chair Deatrick also met with environmental leaders throughout the week to strategize for the 2026 midterms.

Chair Deatrick with High School Democrats of America Summit attendees, Georgetown University