Dear National Action Network Leaders, Members, and Partners,

The American people have spoken.

The 2026 midterm elections changed control of Congress, flipped governorships and state legislative chambers, and brought historic new voices into public office. Voters challenged longstanding political expectations, reminding the country that money and established political power do not guarantee victory.

This election also underscored the importance of intergenerational participation. Young voters joined older generations in helping shape the country's direction. NAN's Youth & College Division reflects our commitment to ensuring young people are not simply the future of the civil rights movement, but active participants in its leadership and work today.

Just hours after Election Day, Rev. Al Sharpton, Founder & President of National Action Network (NAN), appeared on Morning Joe, speaking directly with newly elected and reelected leaders about the election and what comes next.

His presence in that national conversation underscores NAN's reach and responsibility. Rev. Sharpton's voice is strengthened by your voices and the work you do in your communities. His access to national leaders provides an opportunity to bring those concerns directly into conversations about the policies and decisions that affect our lives.

That work began long before Election Day.

From NAN's national convention in April to the August 28 March on Washington: Defend the Vote, commemorating the 63rd anniversary of the historic 1963 March, we remained focused on protecting voting rights and mobilizing our communities.

Following the March, NAN's Voter Brigades continued that commitment through voter education, outreach, and mobilization in communities across the country, with our National Field Department supporting the efforts of local chapters, members, and community partners.

The Black Church and NAN's clergy network remain essential to this work. For generations, Black churches have helped advance civic participation, community organizing, and civil rights advocacy. That tradition continues as faith leaders and congregations help connect generations and strengthen community engagement.

To our chapter presidents and leaders, National Field Department, clergy network, Youth & College Division, members, volunteers, and coalition partners: thank you.

Your calls, texts, conversations, voter education, and community outreach helped people exercise their rights. Much of this work happened outside the national spotlight, but it remains fundamental to our movement.

Now our focus turns to accountability.

The current Congress still has consequential decisions to make during the lame-duck session. Incoming and returning leaders, from Washington to state capitals and city halls, must also be held accountable for the decisions affecting our communities.

NAN will continue advocating for voting rights, stronger civil rights enforcement, diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility, and policies that advance affordability, economic opportunity, and dignity for working families.

Our chapters, clergy, young leaders, and members must remain engaged. Follow the decisions being made, communicate your communities' priorities, and hold elected officials accountable for their commitments.

As we gather Friday for NAN's 16th Annual Triumph Awards, we recognize progress while remaining focused on the work ahead.

Despite redistricting battles, efforts to restrict access to the ballot, and enormous campaign spending, voters made their voices heard. This election reinforced a principle at the heart of our movement:

We marched to defend the vote. We organized to exercise it. Now we move from demonstration to legislation. Our responsibility is to turn that collective power into laws, policies, and enforcement that restore and expand civil rights protections, strengthen economic opportunity, and improve conditions in our communities.

Our commitment is to the people. We will measure progress by what elected leaders do to protect our rights, address our communities' needs, and deliver meaningful change. We will continue engaging elected leaders at every level of government, advocating policies that strengthen our communities, and ensuring our voices shape the decisions affecting our lives. Accountability remains essential to that work.