AFT president Randi Weingarten comments on 2025 Election Day outcomes

AFT President Randi Weingarten responded to the 2025 Election Day results, stating that voters across the United States delivered a message favoring elected officials who focus on everyday concerns over personal or political interests.

"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," Weingarten said.

She characterized the election outcome as a rejection of the president’s policies. "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."

Weingarten noted increased voter turnout as evidence that Americans seek leadership on practical issues such as education and rising living costs. "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."

She highlighted several races as examples. "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 victory was attributed to her focus on affordability; Abigail Spanberger's win in Virginia emphasized economic fairness; Zohran Mamdani’s campaign in New York City centered on tenant rights and quality of life; while Pennsylvania saw state Supreme Court justices retain their seats.

"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," Weingarten concluded.

The statement was also endorsed by AFT Secretary-Treasurer Fedrick C. Ingram and Executive Vice President Evelyn DeJesus.