Montclair Democrats Chair Brendan Gill Hosts “No Kings” Rally Drawing More Than 10,000 Attendees Committed To Turning Anger Into Action

MONTCLAIR, NJ – Essex County Commissioner and Montclair Democrats Chair Brendan Gill hosted a “No Kings” rally on Saturday, March 28, 2026, drawing more than 10,000 attendees to Montclair and joining millions of people participating in coordinated demonstrations across the country.  The theme of the rally was “Turning Anger Into Action”.

The rally was part of a nationwide day of action in response to policies and rhetoric from Donald Trump, with participants calling for the protection of democratic institutions and reaffirming that the United States rejects authoritarian leadership.

“Montclair and the surrounding towns showed up in force because our community believes deeply in democracy, equality, and the rule of law,” said Brendan Gill. “This was a powerful demonstration that we will continue to organize, speak out, and stand together to ensure there are no kings in America.”

The event brought together elected officials, community leaders, faith leaders, union members, and activists, highlighting a broad coalition committed to civic engagement and democratic values.

Sponsors of the rally included ACLU of New Jersey, BlueWave New Jersey, NJEA, Senator John McKeon, Assemblywoman Alixon Collazos-Gill, Assemblywoman Rosy Bagolie, the Essex County Democratic Committee, Cary and Beth Chevat, Rosemary Iverson, and Mayrose Wegmann

The rally featured remarks from a diverse lineup of speakers, including:

• Jeh Johnson, former United States Secretary of Department of Homeland Security
• LeRoy Jones, Chairman of New Jersey State Democratic Committee
• Congresswoman LaMonica McIver
• Senator John McKeon
• Assemblywoman Alixon Collazos-Gill
• Jasmine Metellus, Essex County Young Democrats President
• Amol Sinha, Executive Director of the ACLU of New Jersey
• Rabbi Marc Katz, Temple Ner Tamid
• Declan Carney, Volunteer leader for Montclair Dems
• Analilia Mejia, Democratic Nominee for Congress (CD-11)
• Tahesha Way, former Lieutenant Governor
• Christopher Gagliardi, advocate for the neurodivergent community
• Christine McGrath, Verona Councilwoman and candidate for Essex County Commissioner
• Joseph Lewis, candidate for Congress (CD-11)

Speakers emphasized the importance of civic participation, protecting civil liberties, and building a more inclusive and equitable future.

Photos from the rally can be found here: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/b8c7y7mu0wovw8ft0kdip/AFeKgfxtsaUf2-Bwo2jK_Ug?rlkey=peidmz12rce37jz8dga9f5oq0&st=ebhhqy26&dl=0

About Montclair Democrats

Montclair Democrats is a grassroots political organization dedicated to supporting Democratic candidates at the local, county, and state levels. Through year-round organizing, voter engagement, and leadership development, the organization mobilizes more than 14,000 volunteers to advocate for progressive issues and increase voter participation.  Montclair Dems is chaired by Brendan Gill. The Vice Chair is Tanya Poteat.