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AFT Convention Daily: Thursday, July 16, 2026

AFT President Randi Weingarten gestures while delivering the State of the Union speech from behind the podium at the AFT's national convention. She is wearing a white suit and standing in front of a backdrop of photos of union members.

Weingarten inspires delegates to fight for freedom, opportunity and justice

In her State of the Union address, AFT President Randi Weingarten called the entire union to action at the national convention today, telling participants that in a time when billionaires are wielding unprecedented power in politics, they are lacking the one thing that has consistently catalyzed change: the power of the people. She delivered a powerful message: “We will change the trajectory of this nation and secure a better future for all.”

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries speaks to the AFT convention.

Jeffries: Let’s take back our country

When House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, who grew up in a union household, addressed AFT members during the convention’s opening session, he thanked them for fighting for working families—and called on them to take back our country from MAGA extremists. He also promised that AFT members don’t ever have to worry about whether Hakeem Jeffries is gonna stand up for you and organized labor because organized labor has always been there for me.”

The Rev. Raphael Warnock, U.S. Senator from Georgia, stands at a podium in front of a backdrop with images of AFT members and a sign that says "Union Strong"

Warnock to delegates: 'Keep the faith'

In the opening session of the AFT’s 2026 convention, the Rev. Raphael Warnock, U.S. senator from Georgia, emphasized the importance of good policy and investment in education, and he exhorted AFT members to keep the faith in the fight for every child in the United States to have a better future.

A woman holding a cell phone is speaking at a microphone while the audience listens.

Divisional meetings focus on fighting for a better life for all

Divisional meetings during the first day of the AFT convention focused on critical issues impacting educators, health professionals, families and communities—with an eye to organizing and mobilizing for change. In discussions of sustaining a family with one job (Paraprofessionals and School-Related Personnel division), sharing the impact of understaffing and underfunding (AFT Public Employees division), improving conditions for healthcare workers and patients (Nurses and Health Professionals division), fighting federal policies that harm retirees (AFT Retiree division), highlighting how professional issues can engage members (AFT Teachers division) and organizing members on higher ed campuses for action in the midterm elections (AFT Higher Education division), delegates and members were encouraged to use the power of their collective voice and reminded of the urgency of getting out—and protecting—the vote this November.

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This daily update is produced by the AFT communications department.