This past Saturday, Oct. 18, 7 million Americans turned out to more than 2,700 peaceful marches and nonviolent for the second No Kings Day of action. At least one event took place in all 50 states in opposition to democratic backsliding, as well as large global protests led by Americans abroad.
This was the sequel to the No Kings Day of action in June, which drew an estimated 5 million people, as well as the Hands Off! day of action in March, in which 3 million Americans participated.
The growth in turnout made Saturday’s coordinated, nonviolent events one of the largest days of protest in American history.
What was this all about? Why did this many people – many of them union members – show up?
Because we believe everyone deserves dignity, a life they can afford, and real opportunity. All those things are being undermined by this administration and the federal government (and in Texas, our state government too).
It doesn’t matter who you voted for, or which party you belong to. The fact is, it’s gotten tougher to survive in our country and nearly impossible to thrive – unless you’re a billionaire.
As Texas AFT President Zeph Capo said in his speech Saturday to Texans gathered in Brazoria County:
“With one hand, they are dismantling the Department of Education and firing the people who ensure every child – regardless of disability – gets a high-quality, life-changing education. And with the other hand, they are gutting federal funding for cancer research and stripping people of their health insurance.
You and me and working people like us are lines on a spreadsheet to the people in charge of this country right now. And if they deem you too expensive to care for, they say you’re on your own.”
You can watch the full speech below.
Why Our Union Participated
Ahead of Saturday’s events, many politicians in Texas and nationally were keen to paint this day of action as simultaneously a terrorist threat and utterly pointless. Neither was true.
The No Kings movement isn’t about the differences between left and right. It’s about the gulf between right and wrong.
- Public education is the foundation of a thriving democracy: The Department of Education in this administration has gutted its special education division, consistently created school funding chaos, and set out on a quest to strip our universities of their mission to teach critical thinking. Our schools are supposed to create the next generations of citizens, but they can’t do that with both hands tied (deliberately) behind their backs.
- Democracy is under attack, and so are our freedoms: It’s wrong for politicians to use power to divide us and to silence people with opinions they don’t like. In the past nine months, we’ve seen how far those in power are willing to go to do just that – deploying federal troops, shutting down the government, and threatening the livelihoods of workers.
- The people in power are playing politics, and we’re paying the price: We believe in government that works for the people, not against them by driving up the cost of living or grabbing residents and citizens off the street or on our school campuses. The federal government is shut down because a congressional majority refuses to ensure affordable health care for working families. As a result, 3.5 million Texans – including 1.7 million kids – who rely on SNAP benefits will soon face food scarcity and hunger.
Our union is All in for Public Schools, and that means being all in for employees, students, and families who need to be able to afford health care, who need safe and welcoming schools, and who have the right to demand better of their state and nation.
What Comes Next
Both No Kings Day events have been amazing shows of solidarity and unity among working Americans, but marches and rallies alone won’t fix the path we’re on or win the future we deserve. Here are three real, tangible things you can do today to grow the movement.
Join the AFTVotes Action Team
The AFTvotes Action Team is for members, activists, and community allies who are ready to come together to turn our values into action. From phone banks and text banks to quick mobilizations and in-person canvassing, this is your place to plug in, build power, and make an impact – locally and nationally.
Whether you’re brand new or a seasoned activist, there’s a role for you. Sign up here to get started.
Vote in the Nov. 4 Local Elections
We can’t change the path for our schools and communities without changing who’s making the decisions. While 2026 may be the next election with major headlines, there is an election happening right now that will determine how policies and budgets are shaped and implemented for our public schools.
What’s on the ballot? Everyone will weigh in on 17 constitutional amendments. Depending on where you live, you may have school board seats or school bonds or funding packages, too. There’s also a special election for a Texas Senate seat.
- Early Voting: Monday, Oct. 20 – Friday, Oct. 31
- You can vote at any polling location in your county during early voting.
- Election Day: Tuesday, Nov. 4
- Find your polling place and sample ballot here: VoteTexas.gov.
Cy-Fair AFT and Aldine AFT with endorsed school board candidates on the ballot Nov. 4.
Take Texas AFT’s Membership Survey
Our annual membership survey provides a bird’s-eye view of the working conditions that teachers, school staff, and faculty face across the state. It’s the only data collection of its kind in Texas.
Texas AFT uses the responses from our members to make decisions about what our priorities will be for the coming year and how we will allocate our time and resources. Your feedback gives us real-time information and real-life examples to share (confidentially) with lawmakers and Texans at large.
All pre-K-12, higher ed, and retired members should have received the 2025-2026 Membership Survey in their email inbox and by text message. If you can’t find the link, please email info@texasaft.org so we can update your info and send it to you.