No Kings rallies across SJC inspired the community to unite and make their voices heard through voting.
On October 17, 2026, hundreds of people participated in the No Kings/Get Out the Vote protest outside San Joaquin Delta College, located at the intersection of Pacific and Yokuts Avenues in Stockton, California. A rally was also held at the southwest corner of the West March Lane and Pershing Avenue intersection, near In-Shape and Burger King. In Tracy, the rally took place at Dr. Powers Park, located at 900 W. Lowell Avenue (at the corner of North Tracy Boulevard and Lowell Avenue). In Manteca, the rally was held at the intersection of E. Yosemite Avenue and Spreckels Avenue, near KFC at 1211 E. Yosemite Avenue. Modesto hosted several rallies around Standiford Park, Rose Avenue Park, 10th Street Plaza, and Graceada Park. Additionally, many other cities in the Central Valley held rallies near their downtown or highly populated areas.
With the midterm elections less than three weeks away, the latest “No Kings” day of protests shifted from large rallies to smaller events focused on direct action throughout the Central Valley and Sacramento region. Unlike the previous three “No Kings” events held on June 14, 2025, October 18, 2025, and March 28, this protest did not involve thousands of attendees at the state Capitol. Instead, many gatherings took place across both the Sacramento region and the U.S., where protesters waved signs and made their voices heard.
As the 2026 elections approached, attendees gathered on Pacific Avenue for the latest installment of the “No Kings” demonstrations nationwide. This event was part of a national movement opposing President Donald Trump’s administration and included a booth to help attendees register to vote, emphasizing the importance of participation in this series of protests.
“The event today is about voting, especially at this crucial time in American history and politics,” said Dawn Griep, an organizer for Indivisible of San Joaquin County. “We’re advocating for voting to save democracy.” Organizers provided attendees with information about ballot measures and candidates. “We’re sharing all of this information here,” said Aileen Franco, an administrator for the Indivisible Stockton Facebook page who also organizes a weekly Thursday vigil for individuals affected by immigration-related sweeps. “Right now, our biggest concern is getting people to vote and encouraging them to go out and vote.”
One attendee, Brian Payne, expressed hope that by seeing the gathering, those who drove past and felt alone would be more motivated to participate in the elections. “To see people out here gives you a sense of resolve,” he said. While “No Kings” events are not formally aligned with a political party, San Joaquin County Democratic Party chair Manuel Zapata also attended the demonstration.
“There are so many people in our society who become frustrated and completely disengaged from voting, and that’s not helpful at all,” Zapata said. “I’m glad when people come out here to spread the message that voting is essential for changing what’s going on.”
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