AFT President Randi Weingarten on Election Results

WASHINGTON-AFT President Randi Weingarten issued the following statement on the results of Election Day 2025:

"Tonight, in race after race across the country, voters sent a clear message: They want their elected officials to care about them-not ballrooms, not tariffs, not billionaires, not self-serving political revenge. American families want a life they can afford-so they voted for decency over division, democracy over authoritarianism and, above all, an economy that works for everyone, not just the ultra-rich.

"This election was a repudiation of the president's cruel, chaotic and corrupt agenda that has made working people's lives harder. But it was also a reaffirmation of hope and opportunity in the face of fear and despair.

"Voters showed up in record numbers to send a message that they want leaders who will tackle the kitchen-table issues they face every day-from education to soaring housing and healthcare costs to the price of groceries, child care and college.

"These winning candidates are different in style and politics, but they are all laser-focused on what the American people need as opposed to the corruption and abuses of Trumpism.

"In New Jersey, Mikie Sherrill's win showed that when candidates focus on making everyday life more affordable, voters respond. In Virginia, Abigail Spanberger proved once again that a message of practical leadership and economic fairness can overcome extremism and fearmongering. In New York City, Zohran Mamdani's inspiring victory and massive turnout underscored that standing up for tenants, workers and the quality of life isn't just good policy-it's good politics. And in Pennsylvania, state Supreme Court justices retained their seats, affirming voters' belief in the rule of law.

"Tonight's results are a victory in our fight for opportunity, good public schools, safe neighborhoods and a life that working people can afford. Americans want and deserve leaders who work on behalf of their constituents, not themselves. The people, and democracy, won."

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The AFT represents 1.8 million pre-K through 12th-grade teachers; paraprofessionals and other school-related personnel; higher education faculty and professional staff; federal, state and local government employees; nurses and healthcare workers; and early childhood educators.