Green Party of Pennsylvania

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Saturday, October 25, 2025

MEDIA CONTACT 

Chris Robinson, Communication Team Co-Leader

267-977-0570 and [email protected]

Green Party Members Evaluate No Kings Rally

The organizers from the No Kings Alliance said, “In one of the largest single-day nationwide demonstrations in U.S. history, nearly seven million Americans gathered [on October 18], two million more than June. In more than 2,700 cities and town, the No Kings Day of Peaceful Action, [they stood] together in nonviolent defiance of authoritarianism, affirming that this nation belongs to its people, not to kings.”

More than 1,500 people demonstrated at the No Kings rally in Altoona, PA. An unnamed Green Party member said, “The No Kings rally in Altoona was a bit later in the day and a shorter demonstration. A good mix of people came out. The speakers encouraged people to get involved in community politics. Could have had more action calls. Roads were blocked for the walk. Bigger turnout than the Centre County rally. Saw more young people involved than last time as well. Only counter protesters I saw were a Trump couple, who were easy to ignore and the hacky Blair County news guy.”

Green Party candidate for re-election as Cherry Valley Mayor said, “I went to the Akron, Ohio, No Kings Rally. Several thoughts jump out at me. The first was the sheer energy of a locally organized event. There were maybe over 1,000 raucous ralliers, and they were loud and self-organized into groups on each of the corners in front of the Federal Building which was the centerpiece of the whole event. Even more impressive was the number of cars that went by expressing solidarity with the No Kings Rally. Car horns were almost continuous for the entire time I was there, and the signs that poked out of windows and sunroofs were almost as plentiful as the ones at the rally. Signs were clever and reflected a range of issues -- though most were tepid, tripe, and Trump-centric.

Organizers said that 3,000 people attended the No Kings rally in State College. An unnamed Green Party member from Centre County said, “Got there a half hour early. Wasn't too crowded at first but saw people I could identify as participating in going to the campus. I handed out flowers with one of our piller headlines and websites for more info to about 55 people. I think they were welcome. Everyone was very friendly, a mix of older and some younger folks. Could not really hear any of the speakers, and could not tell if any actionable calls were stated. Talked to a few Democrats who would be interested in a coalition against Data AI. The crowd got much larger in the middle of the event. I didn't notice any hecklers or counter protestors. Centre County Green Party Chair Neil Haagen got compliments on his constitution sign and I on my Tree of Life Stronger Than Hate sweatshirt. It was a nice day out, and with how convenient everything was set up, I think it was easily accessible to participate in. It seems a lot of people were enjoying their time out. I'm hoping this means they will get more active.”

At least 4,000 people took to the streets along with Lancaster Green Party members who attended the No Kings rally there. Tony Dastra, the Green Party candidate for Mayor of Lancaster City, said, “It would have been nice to be asked to table by the organizers like other political orgs and the democrat party was, but aside from that it was great to see so many people who recognize this is not how governments should operate. Just being there with my sign and talking with people, I think many understand the importance of working across political affiliations to have a government of representatives who care about civil rights and not prioritizing one party as a prescription.”

GPPA Co-chair Timothy Runkle demonstrated in Lancaster City. Runkle said,  “It was good gathering with folks who agree that the U.S. is a threat to the survival of the world. Unfortunately, the improvement of our situation won't occur on the weekend. Let's see No Kings during the weekday. Let's see a general strike!” Another Lancaster Green Party member said, “I liked the energy of the people around me marching and how people greeted and encouraged the marchers from their front porches.

GPPA Steering Committee member Barbara Laxon said, “I was very happy to realize that the organizers of the No Kings rally in both Bradford (McKean County), PA, and Olean, NY, decided to collaborate in order to ensure that people would be able to attend both rallies. Bradford is just 25 miles from Olean. Both rallies included speakers, creative signage, and music. The unofficial counts of attendees in Bradford were approximately 210, and for Olean (a much bigger town) approximately 600.This was an excellent turnout in my rural Republican-dominated district. The best part was my conversation with a group of young people in Bradford who asked me about my Green Party button. They were happy to come back to my place to receive handouts about what the Green Party stands for and information about local meetings.

Philadelphia police estimated there were more than 15,000 people. The rally stretched from Independence Hall to the National Constitution Center. Speakers invoked the historical sites surrounding the stage in their remarks, likening the Trump administration’s actions to those of King George III ahead of the American Revolution. Chris Robinson, an organizer for the Green Party of Philadelphia (GPOP), said, “We had members of the GPOP Migration is a Human Right Working Group handing out our newsletter. It was energizing to see that so many people are disaffected with the duopoly.”

Jon Lessner, another GPOP organizer, said, “The No Kings it's really more of a rally and march than a protest due to the fact it has no goal or action request to people or the gov't. It's a demonstration of the people to show voices of discontent. It's a way to get people outside and feel good about being loud, however, it does not allow for change or civil disruption of the machine. Coordinating with the state and obeying their rules on how to display discontent defies the purpose of a protest. It can be useful for getting people more involved and connected to other activities, like voting Green Party for the first time. Using a demonstration like No Kings for those purposes is what I believe makes it important.”

Not All Were Favorable

A group of Green Party of Allegheny County (GPOAC) members organized by Chair Jay Ting Walker attended the No Kings protests. One common criticism of these actions is that they did not have clear demands. Furthermore, the atmospheres were those of a rally or a festival. These events can be good for bringing attention about meaningful issues to people who otherwise would be at brunch. But what can people do to get involved and take meaningful actions to make a difference? 

Bagdes-Canning said, “The things that were disappointing, though, were glaring. The most dangerous was a lack of peacekeeping/de-escalation/marshaling. Another failing was missing the opportunity to engage ralliers in next steps. There were no sign-up sheets, no handouts to give to passersby, and no calls to action, not even an invitation to come to the next big thing -- whatever that is. Finally, the focus was entirely on Trump and not what got us to Trump. The messaging was very Democrat focused. There were some signs calling out the corporations and billionaires, but no demands for the Democrats to foreswear corporate cash.”

Maria UmKashif, a Green Party member in Lackawanna County, said, “I considered attending the No Kings event, but then I decided not to after I was told not to bring any Palestinian flags or keffiyeh to Scranton. To further solidify my decision, there was a member of our local Palestine Advocacy/Protest Group who was told they could not speak in Wilkes-Barre for No Kings because they wanted to mention Gaza in their speech. After serious reflection on my conflicted emotions about this No Kings event -- because I do support immigrants, refugees, women and children and I do not want to see fascism and authoritarianism to spread across the USA -- but I also wonder “what about Gaza?”

Aidan Williamson, a member of Green Party of Philadelphia, agreed, saying “I decided to not attend the protest because the organizers of No Kings refused to allow a pro-Palestine speaker. There was a pro-Palestine contingent that day, though who were very disciplined and everything. But they still got trouble for being there. Families For  A Ceasefire was in attendance, and one of the organizers of No Kings harassed them so badly that a legal observer from Up Against The Law had to be called in. Personally I find all of this really disturbing and reason enough for me individually to have nothing to do with No Kings moving forward.”

The Green Party of Pennsylvania (GPPA), https://www.gpofpa.org, is an independent political party which stands in opposition to the two corporate parties. GPPA candidates promote public policy based on the Green Party’s Four Pillars: grassroots democracy, nonviolence, ecological wisdom, and social justice/equal opportunity. For further information about GPPA, please email [email protected]. Please follow GPPA on social media: Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/gpofpa/; Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/pagreenparty/; and X, https://x.com/GreenPartyofPA

For more information:

“Nearly 7 Million People Attend Overwhelmingly Peaceful No Kings Day of Action, No Kings Alliance, news release dated October 18, 2025, 

https://www.nokings.org/news/nearly-7-million-people-attend-overwhelmingly-peaceful-no-kings-day-of-action

“PA Greens Attend No Kings Day of Defiance,” GREEN STAR lead story, Green Party of Pennsylvania, dated July 2025,

https://www.gpofpa.org/july_greenstar_2025 

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Green Party of Pennsylvania

Green Party Endorses Global Sumud Flotilla

Green Party of Pennsylvania

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tuesday, August 19, 2025

MEDIA CONTACT 

Chris Robinson, Communication Team Co-Leader

267-977-0570 and [email protected] 

Green Party 2025 Candidates will Appear on PA Ballot 

On August 11, three Green Party's candidates were accepted on the 2025 General Election ballot by the Pennsylvania Department of State. The nomination of one Green Party candidate has been challenged.

Nomination signatures have been approved to place on the ballot Michael Bagdes-Canning for re-election to Mayor of Cherry Valley Borough in Butler County; Tony Dastra for Mayor of Lancaster City in Lancaster County; and Alexander Noyle for Auditor of East Norriton Township in Montgomery County.

The nomination of Theron Gilliland Jr for County Council in Allegheny County has been challenged by three voters who claim that Gilliland did not submit enough valid signatures. The challenge will be decided in Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas.

GPPA Steering Committee Member Colleen Schmotzer (Allegheny County) said, “I am excited to see so many Greens running for local offices in this day and age. We need to break the duopoly, and this is going to give us a chance to continue to do so here in Pennsylvania. We wish them all the best! Theron Gilliland’s Campaign was challenged, but the Green Party is fighting back.”

Green Party organizer Chris Robinson (Philadelphia) added, "Our candidates will give PA voters the opportunity to vote for an end to hunger and homelessness in our commonwealth. Green Party candidates also stand for an end to political corruption and corporations controlling other political parties.” 

Those interested in volunteering and helping the Green Party continue to make history, may email [email protected]. Those who would like to contribute to the Green Party, may visit, https://www.gpofpa.org/join_us 

The Green Party of Pennsylvania (GPPA), https://www.gpofpa.org, is an independent political party which stands in opposition to the two corporate parties. GPPA candidates promote public policy based on the Green Party’s Four Pillars: grassroots democracy, nonviolence, ecological wisdom, and social justice/equal opportunity. For further information about GPPA, please email [email protected]. Please follow GPPA on social media: Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/gpofpa/; Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/pagreenparty/; and X, https://x.com/GreenPartyofPA

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FOR RELEASE
Monday, July 28, 2025

Media Contact, Beverly Rolfsmeyer
[email protected] and 267-977-0570

Green Party Stands with Handala Crew Seized by Israel

The Green Party of Philadelphia (GPOP) stands in support of the brave crew of the Handala which was seized by Israel on Saturday, July 26. The interception occurred in international waters outside Palestinian territorial waters in violation of international maritime law.

All eyes were on Handala as it transported 21 civilians to help deliver medicine, baby formula, and stuffed animals to the children of Gaza. The Handala, launched from Siracusa, Italy, on July 13, was attempting to break the devastating and illegal blockade on Gaza imposed by Israel and to bring much-needed relief to the Palestinians.

“Israel has no legal authority to detain international civilians aboard the Handala,” said Ann Wright, a member of the Freedom Flotilla’s steering committee. “These are foreign nationals operating under international law in international waters. Their detention is arbitrary, unlawful, and must end.”

The bravery displayed by the crew of the Handala is nothing short of inspiring. This was the third Freedom Flotilla ship carrying humanitarian aid to have been attacked by Israel. In May 2025, Conscience sailed to Gaza to bring relief to the population, only to be attacked by a drone which critically damaged the vessel and forced it to retire from the mission. Then in June, the Madleen was raided by Israel, and its crew members arrested, abused, and deported.

Israel has ignored the International Court of Justice’s binding orders that require the facilitation of humanitarian access to Gaza. Their continued attacks on peaceful civilian missions represent a grave violation of international law.

The Green Party of Philadelphia stands in solidarity with those aboard Handala and calls upon the necessary precautions and protections that States may offer in ensuring safe passage in the service of humanity and adherence to international law. We must highlight the conditions that prompt people of conscience to sail are predicated on the inaction of States to prevent this genocide from occurring. The United States government has materially and ideologically supported Israel in such a way that the genocide inflicted against the Palestinians ought to be known as a U.S. crime as well. The Green Party calls on elected officials to stop the genocide by refusing to fund Israel with our tax dollars and to cease shipping arms to Israel.

The Green Party of Philadelphia (GPOP, www.gpop.org) is an independent political party which stands in opposition to the two corporate parties. GPOP candidates promote public policy based on the Green Party’s Four Pillars: grassroots democracy, nonviolence, ecological wisdom, and social justice/equal opportunity. For further information about GPOP, please follow GPOP on social media:  Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.  

For More Information See:

Freedom Flotilla, https://freedomflotilla.org

Photo,
July 26, 2025, photo, https://freedomflotilla.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Handala-boarded-1024x573.jpg

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FOR RELEASE ON
Friday, July 25, 2025

Media Contact, Colleen Schmotzer
[email protected] and 412-616-4664

Building the Green Party in Allegheny County, PA

By Colleen Schmotzer

The Green Party of Allegheny County (GPOAC) has been very active this year on many issues that are currently weighing down our community. I am the Working Groups Coordinator for GPOAC, and we are organizing around homelessness, combating ICE, and we cannot forget about Palestine. The atrocities that are taking place there are despicable to say the least.

Allegheny Greens have gone to many protests such as No Kings Day of Defiance on June 14, Hands Off on April 5, and Sunrise Movement Picnic on May 31. There is always a nice turnout, and we have had no problems at all. Many groups come together with GPOAC for these events. Jewish Voice for Peace and Pittsburgh Palestine Coalition are just a few. If you would like to join our Palestine Working Group meetings, they are on the second Wednesday of each month.

In Allegheny County, the Green Party is also very excited to support Theron Gilliland Jr. in his special election campaign for County Council Member at Large. I love being a Green and all that I do within the Green community.

Let's come together and see what we can do. We are stronger together! Consider joining us no matter where you are located, we need you and your voice. If you would like more information about GPOAC, please feel free to reach out to me, [email protected]

Colleen Schmotzer (she/her) was a co-chair for the Abandon Biden (Harris) Campaign. She was also a team lead in Allegheny County for Dr. Jill Stein’s 2024 campaign for President.

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Green Party of Pennsylvania

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Saturday, July 23, 2025

CONTACT: 

Chris Robinson, Communication Team Co-Leader

267-977-0570 and [email protected] 

PA Green Party Demands U.S. Cease Spreading Flames of War in Mideast

At the request of Barbara Laxon (McKean County), the Green Party of Pennsylvania (GPPA) Steering Committee on July 12 endorsed a statement by the Green Party of the United States (GPUS) on the U.S. bombing of Iran. Laxon, who is an elected Pennsylvania delegate to the Green Party Peace Action Committee (GPAX) said, “The GPPA is deeply concerned about the continued and advancing involvement of the U.S. in actions in the Middle East and the dire consequences as noted in the statement below."

The Green Party of Pennsylvania (GPPA), https://www.gpofpa.org, is an independent political party which stands in opposition to the two corporate parties. GPPA candidates promote public policy based on the Green Party’s Four Pillars: grassroots democracy, nonviolence, ecological wisdom, and social justice/equal opportunity. For further information about GPPA, please email [email protected]. Please follow GPPA on social media: Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/gpofpa/; Instagram, https://www.instagram.com/pagreenparty/; and X, https://x.com/GreenPartyofPA

The GPUS statement says:

The Green Party of the United States strongly condemns President Trump’s unauthorized bombing attack on Iran and the deceptive negotiations that preceded it. "A ceasefire between Iran and Israel was announced yesterday by the US. It will last 12 hours and then the war will be over. But who knows whether the end of fighting will hold? Who knows what the next few weeks will bring?"

Trump’s many boasts of being a peacemaker are now discredited as his actions demonstrate that he is a reckless militarist seeking U.S. dominance over the Mideast. The consequences of this attack may include disruption of global oil supplies, further destruction in Israel, and possible escalation if Russia or China acts to defend Iran.

Not content with providing a steady stream of weapons and logistical support to Israel to sustain the Gaza genocide, the U.S. has now committed an act of war by bombing Iran’s nuclear technology sites. Without any Congressional authorization, our nation is plunging into an ill-considered Mideast military adventure in support of an Israeli state that knows no limits to its territorial ambitions and openly defies international law.

“The U.S. must stop spreading the flames of war in the Mideast and compel Israel to halt its attacks on Gaza, Syria, Lebanon, Yemen, and Iran. Israel will never be a safe country if it is committed to laying waste to its neighbors. An immediate cease fire should be followed by negotiations to achieve a permanent settlement of the Israeli/Palestinian dispute under United Nations auspices” said Madelyn Hoffman, co-chair of the Green Party’s Peace Action Committee. 

 “The Green Party is the party of peace. Unlike the two dominant U.S. political parties, we oppose a militaristic foreign policy based on lies and manufactured threats. The Party calls for nationwide demonstrations and political actions protesting the latest U.S. imperial war. We must stop the U.S. war machine before it consumes us all,” added Hoffman. 

For more information:

“Green Party Condemns the Bombing of Iran,” Green Party of the United States news release, June 24, 2025,
https://www.gp.org/green_party_condemns_the_bombing_of_iran

Peace Action Committee, Green Party of the United States (GPAX),
Email, [email protected]
Website https://gpax.gpus.org/

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