AFT President Weingarten Responds to 2024 Election Results

Reactions to 2024 Election Results: AFT President's Perspective

WASHINGTON—The American Federation of Teachers (AFT) President Randi Weingarten has expressed her thoughts following the conclusion of the 2024 election.

“The voters have spoken. While we hoped and fought for a different outcome, we respect both their will and the peaceful transfer of power,” Weingarten stated.

This election has highlighted significant national division and concerns over the state of democracy. Weingarten noted that the prevailing sentiment during the results was one of fear and anger.

The focus for many voters, according to Weingarten, was on which candidate could enhance their lives and those of their families and communities. She remarked, “Over the next few weeks, there will be a lot of ‘could have, should have, would have.’ But the bottom line for most people who voted—and we saw many of them as we crisscrossed the country—was ‘who will help us improve our lives, the lives of our families and our communities?’”

Despite the defeat of Kamala Harris, whom Weingarten supported, the victory went to Donald Trump. However, she emphasized the enduring popularity of public schools and labor unions as vital components of society. She cited the example of Kentucky, where, although Trump secured a win, a ballot initiative that threatened public schools was unsuccessful.

Weingarten acknowledged the mixed emotions following the election, with some feeling devastated and others excited. She raised important questions about the future, such as the resilience of democratic institutions and the quest for justice.

She urged for introspection and unity, saying, “These are questions that are not knowable today, but I pray we are curious and introspective enough to understand what happened and ask how we unify the country. What binds us as Americans is far more important than what divides us.”

Emphasizing the role of educators and public service workers, Weingarten concluded with a commitment to making a positive impact, stating, “I do know one thing: Educators, healthcare professionals and public employees will be doing everything they can to make a difference in the lives of the people they serve. And our guiding principle will be to continue to do the work to improve people’s lives: to fight for our children’s future and the promise of America.”

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.