On October 18, more than 7 million people gathered at over 2,700 No Kings rallies in all 50 states, DC, and cities worldwide. In Texas, dozens of events took place across the state - uniting tens of thousands of Texans under a single truth: power belongs to the people. Now, our task is to stay vigilant, stay united, and continue to push back.
Turning Out At the Texas Capitol
The Sierra Club Lone Star Chapter and local Austin Sierra Club group gathered dozens of people in the Austin area to attend our local No Kings march. We came together to resist the right-wing, mega-corporations that influence policy at the Texas state Legislature, as well as at the federal level. These special interest groups often hire lobbyists that manipulate the political process, resulting in policies that benefit super polluters and make the rich - richer.
We met at the office of our colleagues at Public Citizen (thank you for hosting!), and it was exciting to see nearly two dozen new faces, including a whole family, come out and get creative by making protest signs. Being together in community with people who share the same values, and who want better for our city, state, and country was truly energizing.
Texans Have Had Enough
From conversations with community members, and by using tools like online surveys to talk to Texas across the state, one thing is clear: Texans are tired of our needs coming in second to corporations and political donors.
Everyone who holds an elected office works for the people - the folks working day in and day out to pay the bills, keep food on the table, and navigate the ever-worsening climate crisis. Extreme weather events are getting more dangerous and more deadly, and yet our leaders won’t do anything at the state or federal level to lessen pollution or even mitigate weather impacts.
Our energy bills are increasing exponentially to pay for shareholder bonuses at massive utility corporations - but our Governor-appointed state agencies won’t do anything to stop these corporations because they donate to Abbott’s political campaigns.
Enough is enough.
The massive turnout across the state for the No Kings rallies tells us that Texas is at a turning point. We, the people, have the power to hold decision-makers accountable, and to demand better for our families, our future, and our planet.
Getting Involved After No Kings
We’re eternally grateful to our local Sierra Club groups for organizing in almost every city to protest the blatant corruption at the Texas Capitol and in the White House. There are no kings in Texas. Now is the time to keep the momentum going. Here are a few ways you can stay engaged and involved post-rally:
- Attend or host a community gathering
- Have conversations with neighbors, friends, and family members about your experience
- Join a local or Texas group or organization that focuses on a cause you care about. Not sure where to start? Sign up here to talk our staff about getting more involved
- Donate to a nonprofit or community organization
- Rest up for the next event
- Attend a virtual community meeting (like Keep the Power On or Water for People and the Environment Committee monthly meetings)
A Future Texas Deserves
Despite the grip of single-party dominance in Texas, these rallies remind us that no leader, party, or institution can claim unchecked authority.
Power belongs to the people - to every neighbor, voter, and community member.
That power only grows when people are willing to speak out, show up, and make their voices heard again and again. The strength of our democracy isn’t measured by who holds office, but by how actively we participate in shaping the future.
Staying vigilant, staying united, and continuing to push back are the ways we ensure that, in Texas and beyond, the people always come first.