Since President Donald Trump returned to the White House in January 2025, the No Kings movement has mobilized millions of Americans in opposition to his administration. Organizers estimated that more than 5 million people participated in the movement’s first nationwide demonstrations in June 2025. By March 2026, organizers estimated turnout had reached at least 8 million across more than 3,300 events, marking a substantial expansion in the scale of the protests. The successive rallies have grown in size and geographic reach, bringing demonstrations to major cities, suburbs and smaller communities across the country. As the movement enters another national day of action, its growing crowds raise a larger question: How can a public display of dissent translate into lasting political change?
Organized around the principle that no leader stands above the law, No Kings demonstrations have brought together people opposed to the administration’s policies, immigration enforcement and use of executive power. The movement has also expanded beyond major metropolitan areas. During the March demonstrations, organizers reported roughly two-thirds of events took place outside major cities, reflecting an effort to mobilize participants in smaller communities as well as established centers of political protest.
The next nationwide day of action, scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 17, comes as the country approaches the 2026 midterm elections. This time, organizers are placing greater emphasis on electoral participation rather than demonstrations alone. Under the banner “No Kings: Vote Early,” events are intended to encourage early voting, help participants make voting plans and connect the movement’s network of volunteers with local election efforts. In Southern California, the approach includes neighborhood-level events intended to encourage voter participation ahead of November.
The shift reflects a broader challenge facing protest movements: Mobilizing large crowds can make public opposition difficult to ignore, but turning that momentum into lasting political change requires more than participation alone. The movement’s impact ultimately depends on whether demonstrations lead to sustained organizing, shifts in voter behavior or concrete policy changes.
California has voted reliably Democratic in recent presidential elections, making the state’s political landscape distinct from those of more competitive states where control of Congress may hinge on narrower margins. Still, the movement’s presence across all 50 states suggests its organizing efforts are not confined to traditionally Democratic strongholds. At their core, the demonstrations invoke a fundamental principle of representative government: Political power rests on the consent of the people and remains subject to public accountability. Whether that message translates into meaningful political change will depend on how participants carry their involvement beyond the streets.
Southern California residents will have opportunities to take part in events across Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino counties on Saturday, Oct. 17.
Tustin — 7:30-10 a.m.
17227 17th St.
Corona — 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
1156 E. Ontario Ave.
Huntington Beach — 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Huntington Beach Pier
Long Beach — 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Junipero Avenue and East Ocean Boulevard
Monterey Park — 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Atlantic Boulevard and Riggin Street
Rancho Cucamonga — 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Foothill Boulevard and Haven Avenue
Pasadena — 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Colorado Boulevard and Fair Oaks Avenue
Riverside — 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Market Street and University Avenue
Sherman Oaks — 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
14311 Ventura Boulevard
Glendale — noon-2 p.m.
Veterans Memorial, 613 E. Broadway
Whittier — 12:30-2 p.m.
Whittier City Hall, 13230 Penn St.
Big Bear — 1-4 p.m.
42170 Big Bear Blvd.
Downtown Los Angeles — 1-5:30 p.m.
Gloria Molina Grand Park, 200 N. Spring St.
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