Sean Astin Elected SAG-AFTRA President with 79.25% Vote Amid Low Turnout

What's Happening?

Sean Astin has been elected as the national president of SAG-AFTRA with a significant 79.25% of the vote, as announced on September 12, 2025. Michelle Hurd was also elected as the secretary-treasurer with 64.77% of the vote. Despite these decisive victories, voter turnout was notably low, with only 17% of the 117,994 eligible members participating, a decrease from 22.84% in 2023. This election result comes at a critical time as the union prepares for upcoming contract negotiations with studios, with the current contract set to expire in June 2026. The leadership change is expected to influence the union's strategy, particularly in areas such as bringing production work back to the U.S., expanding residuals protections, and establishing tighter AI regulations.

Why It's Important?

Astin's election as president of SAG-AFTRA is significant due to the timing and the issues at stake. The near-80% vote share provides the new leadership with a strong rhetorical mandate, although the low turnout raises questions about the breadth of support among the union's membership. The upcoming contract negotiations are crucial, as they will address key issues like AI protections and residuals, which are vital for the financial security of actors and production crews. The outcome of these negotiations could have a substantial impact on the entertainment industry, influencing where productions are located and how actors are compensated. The leadership's ability to effectively engage with studios and represent the interests of its members will be critical in shaping the future of the industry.

What's Next?

As Astin and Hurd begin their two-year terms, the focus will shift to preparing for the 2026 contract negotiations. The leadership will need to address the low voter turnout by increasing grassroots outreach and engagement with members to ensure a more representative mandate. This will involve addressing concerns about dues transparency and health-plan access, particularly for mid-career members. The union's ability to present a united front and secure favorable terms in the upcoming negotiations will be a key test of Astin's leadership. The response from studios and the broader industry will also be closely watched, as they prepare to engage with the union on these critical issues.