AFT Launches Nationwide Get-Out-the-Vote Election Bus Tour

ST. PAUL, Minn.—Today, leaders of the 1.875 million-member AFT will embark on a cross-country, multicity #AFTvotes election bus tour to get out the vote, protect the vote and highlight the crucial issues facing working families these midterms.

With the nation wracked by anxiety over affordability, artificial intelligence and the fading of the American Dream, the AFT is backing candidates who will fight corruption and favoritism, work to lower costs and raise wages, and realize a country that pairs fairness with innovation. That means good jobs and career pathways from high school; strengthened public schools and colleges; fixing our broken healthcare, immigration and student loan systems; and protections from the dangers of AI while harnessing its potential.

The #AFTvotes bus (pictured HERE and HERE) will hit at least 10 states and 15 cities and towns between now and Election Day, Nov. 3. Campaign stops include the critical battlegrounds of Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Florida, Georgia and Ohio. AFT President Randi Weingarten will kick off the tour 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,” said 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.”

The AFT, which has 600,000 members and their families in battleground states, will be hosting a relentless round-the-clock GOTV schedule of community forums, town halls, roundtables, and canvassing and door-knocking events in the 19 days before Nov. 3. And it will protect the vote through its 5,000-strong Democracy Defenders program to ensure people have the information, support and protection they need to cast their ballots and have them counted.

Speakers will drive home the existential stakes of this year’s midterms for democracy, economic progress, and the ability of working people and unions to organize for dignity at work and a fair contract. And with early voting in full swing, they will make it clear that the civic acts of casting a ballot, getting out the vote and protecting the vote are more vital than ever.

Major policy issues include lowering the costs of food, fuel and family expenses; providing decent healthcare and reducing prescription drug costs; strengthening Social Security and Medicare; regulating AI; investing in great public schools and affordable and accessible colleges; and solving the student debt crisis.

The #AFTvotes bus will travel from west to east, concluding on election eve. Weingarten, AFT Secretary-Treasurer Fedrick Ingram, AFT Executive Vice President Evelyn DeJesus and numerous state and local AFT leaders and members will appear at multiple stops. Today’s—and many subsequent days’—activities and events will be livestreamed across the union’s YouTube and Facebook accounts.

The bus is a key part of the AFT’s comprehensive 2026 political program that mobilizes and engages members through digital and TV ads and texting programs, alongside more than 800 local and state affiliate endorsements. Over 500 AFT members are running for office themselves.

“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.”

AFT leaders and members are available for interview; email press@aft.org to connect.

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