AFT Launches #AFTvotes Bus Tour to Mobilize Voters in Battleground States

Union Mobilizes for Midterms with Nationwide #AFTvotes Bus Tour

With 600,000 Members and Their Families in Battleground States, Union’s Ground Game Could Prove Pivotal in November

ST. PAUL, Minn.— In a concerted effort to influence the upcoming midterm elections, the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), representing 1.875 million members, has launched a nationwide #AFTvotes election bus tour. This initiative aims to galvanize voter turnout, safeguard the voting process, and spotlight pressing issues for working families.

As economic concerns persist, with many Americans troubled by rising living costs and the uncertain future of the American Dream, the AFT is endorsing candidates committed to combating corruption, reducing expenses, increasing wages, and fostering an equitable society. Key focus areas include creating career pathways from high school, enhancing public education, overhauling healthcare and immigration systems, and addressing AI's risks and opportunities.

The #AFTvotes bus (viewable HERE and HERE) will traverse at least 10 states and 15 cities, with stops in pivotal battlegrounds such as Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Florida, Georgia, and Ohio. AFT President Randi Weingarten will inaugurate the tour on Thursday, Oct. 15, in St. Paul, Minn.

"Every day, too many families wake up anxious and demoralized about the price of gas, groceries, healthcare and housing and the realization that the American Dream has become a cruel mirage," stated Weingarten. "Donald Trump has done nothing to fix it because he only cares about enriching himself. The president has made things worse, not better, by embarking on a wild spree of corruption and grift, raking in at least $2.2 billion in 2025 alone, imposing ruinous tariffs and waging costly wars of choice. Instead, we’re supporting candidates up and down the ballot who proudly stand with working people, not corrupt billionaires."

In the lead-up to Nov. 3, the AFT will maintain an intensive get-out-the-vote agenda, featuring community forums, town halls, roundtables, canvassing, and door-to-door engagement. Additionally, the union's 5,000-member Democracy Defenders initiative will ensure voters have the necessary resources and protection to participate in the election.

Speakers on the tour will emphasize the significant implications of this year's midterms for democracy, economic development, and the rights of workers and unions to advocate for fair contracts. As early voting progresses, the importance of voting and safeguarding the electoral process will be underscored.

Key policy priorities include lowering costs for essential goods and services, improving healthcare access, regulating AI, supporting public education, and addressing student debt.

The #AFTvotes bus will journey from west to east, culminating on the eve of the election. Throughout the tour, AFT Secretary-Treasurer Fedrick Ingram, Executive Vice President Evelyn DeJesus, and other union leaders will join Weingarten at various stops. Events will be streamed on the AFT's YouTube and Facebook pages.

This bus tour forms a crucial component of the AFT's comprehensive 2026 political campaign, which includes digital and TV ads and texting initiatives, alongside endorsements for over 800 local and state affiliates. Notably, more than 500 AFT members are seeking public office.

"I get why people are angry and scared, and even hopeless," added Weingarten. "But this year we are sending a message that we are not powerless. Voting is an act of civic pride. Voting is a lever we can pull to make this country work for ‘we the people’ and not for corrupt billionaires. And from now until Election Day, the 1.875 million members of the AFT are all in."

The AFT extends an invitation for interviews with its leaders and members; contact them via press@aft.org.

Itinerary (subject to change):

Oct. 15 – Saint Paul, Minn.
Oct. 16 – La Crosse/Milwaukee, Wis.
Oct. 17 – Milwaukee
Oct. 18 – Toledo, Ohio
Oct. 19 – Lansing, Mich.
Oct. 20 – Macomb Country, Mich. 
Oct. 21, 22 – Detroit, Mich.
Oct. 23 – Cuyahoga Falls/Parma, Ohio
Oct. 24 – Columbus, Ohio
Oct. 25 – Georgia 
Oct. 26 – Florida
Oct. 28 – Vermont
Oct. 29 – Maine
Oct. 30 to Nov. 1/2 – New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey

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The AFT represents 1.875 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.

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