Record-breaking start to 2026: 6,000 employees opt out

Michael Ciccio
February 5, 2026

Twice as many opt-outs as any previous January

The Freedom Foundation set an all-time record in January with 6,000 public employees opting out—topping our previous record by nearly 3,000.

That’s over $5.7 million a year back in workers’ pockets and out of the hands of union bosses. That’s money the unions use to fund radical left-wing causes—from promoting queer theory in elementary schools to defunding the police to packing the Supreme Court. Money they pour into campaigns for politicians who push policies that most of their members don’t support.

We did this through mail, email, digital ads, canvassing, and a lot of hard work.

Last year, we helped 53,000 public employees exercise their First Amendment rights and opt out, shattering our 2024 record of 40,000. More workers are learning the truth: they have the right to ditch their union. And they are doing it.

We are off to our strongest start ever, and we’re just getting started. 2026 will be our biggest year yet.

- Outreach
, 2026, January, Record

Michael Ciccio

National Director

Michael Ciccio serves as the National Director for the Freedom Foundation. Michael has over a decade of experience organizing activists and professionals, as well as coaching and advising on topics such as public speaking, organizing tactics, and media strategy. After graduating from the University of New Hampshire in 2008, Michael jumped right into the New Hampshire political sphere, working for various campaigns and within the New Hampshire State Senate. Most recently he served as the director of staff training at Americans for Prosperity, one of the nation’s premier grassroots organizations. During his 7 years at the organization, he focused on the continued expansion of grassroots capabilities.