NAACP Celebrates Victories for Democracy Across the Country, Looks to 2026 to Continue the Fight
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 4, 2025
Contact: communications@naacpnet.org
WASHINGTON — The NAACP celebrates the numerous victories for democracy following the November 4th election. California voters stood up to those who would silence Black voices and undermine our democracy. With the passage of Proposition 50, Californians made it clear: our vote is our voice, and we will not be silenced. Through the historic election of women, Black women, people of color, and champions for the people across the United States, voters demonstrated that they will not allow the administration to erode democracy.
From training and deploying hundreds of poll monitors and recruiting over 1,500 volunteers across California, New Jersey and Virginia, to knocking on thousands of doors and engaging with six million voters, launching a $150,000 ad campaign in support of Prop 50, suing election officials for illegal activities, regranting $350,000 to NAACP units and partners to mobilize Black voters to the polls and in key House districts, investing more than three-quarter million dollars in GOTV, the NAACP fought for democracy this election cycle.
NAACP congratulates California Gov. Gavin Newsom on Prop 50's passage and our partnership on this historic redistricting effort. We also congratulate Mary Sheffield, the first Black woman mayor-elect of Detroit and Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles on her fifth term. In a pivotal victory in Pennsylvania, voters chose to retain their Supreme Court judges, including Christine Donohue. Virginians showed up to protect democracy by choosing a new path in their statewide elections and in the Virginia State House. These victories highlight what is possible when our communities mobilize for representation and results.
"This election represents more than a win for any particular community or state. It's a signal from voters across the country that they are dissatisfied with this current administration and its policies of cruelty," said Derrick Johnson, President and CEO of the NAACP. "Prop 50 proves that when fairness is on the ballot, the people win. Across the nation, Black voters, in particular, Black women, are leading the charge for progress, equity, and justice. Let this serve as a message to lawmakers: our communities are paying attention, we're organizing, and we're voting for policies that deliver.
"The results we're seeing in California, Detroit, Charlotte, Virginia, New Jersey and beyond show what happens when voters choose fairness over fear," Johnson continued. "The next chapter of this country will be written by those who organize, participate, and believe in a democracy big enough for all of us. And the NAACP will be there every step of the way."
The NAACP is a nonpartisan organization that supports policies, not politicians. The Association's work centers on defending democracy, advancing civil rights, and educating voters on the issues that affect their daily lives, from the economy and healthcare to housing, education, and public safety.
"Black voters are not identity voters or single-issue voters," said Dominik Whitehead, NAACP Chief of Field, Membership Growth & Unit Sustainability. "We're paying attention, and we're connecting the dots between affordable housing and healthcare, between jobs and education, between government accountability and our ability to thrive. Every election matters. That's why we're going to be laser-focused on 2026, so we can fight for policies that uplift Black Americans and as a result, all Americans."
The NAACP's campaign to defend democracy continues beyond this election. The Association is already mobilizing voters through nationwide town halls, issue education, and community organizing ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.
The NAACP is also currently pursuing litigation against the States of Texas and Missouri, and in counties across the country over their unconstitutional gerrymandering, in Virginia for violating students' right to vote, and against the Trump administration for an executive order that would suppress millions of voters, among other cases.
Voters across the country have made clear they are dissatisfied with the current administration's policy violence, an economy in decline, mass layoffs, a Republican-controlled Congress that shut down the government and refused to fund affordable healthcare, and a federal agenda of cruelty that takes food from women and children while deploying ICE and the military in American neighborhoods. To learn more about NAACP's fight for democracy, visit naacp.org/vote.
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About NAACP
The NAACP advocates, agitates, and litigates for the civil rights due to Black America. Our legacy is built on the foundation of grassroots activism by the biggest civil rights pioneers of the 20th century and is sustained by 21st century activists. From classrooms and courtrooms to city halls and Congress, our network of members across the country works to secure the social and political power that will end race-based discrimination. That work is rooted in racial equity, civic engagement, and supportive policies and institutions for all marginalized people. We are committed to a world without racism where Black people enjoy equitable opportunities in thriving communities.
NOTE: The Legal Defense Fund – also referred to as the NAACP-LDF - was founded in 1940 as a part of the NAACP, but now operates as a completely separate entity.