Sean Astin: Following in Family Footsteps

In a historic move reminiscent of his late mother, Patty Duke, Sean Astin has been elected as the new president of SAG-AFTRA. This pivotal moment comes some 37 years after Duke left the very same position, marking a remarkable family legacy in the entertainment union.

Major Victory with a Strong Mandate

Astin clinched an impressive victory, securing nearly 80% of the votes against his opponent, Chuck Slavin, who garnered just over 20%. His running mate, Michelle Hurd, also achieved a notable win with approximately 65% of the vote for the role of secretary-treasurer.

Low Voter Turnout Raises Eyebrows

Despite Astin's clear mandate, the voter turnout in this election was notably low at just 17.34%. For context, previous elections saw turnout rates of 22.84% in 2023 and 26.49% in 2021, sparking concerns about member engagement.

A Vision for the Future

Astin expressed his excitement for the future, stating, "Now is a time for optimism and creativity. I'm eager to lead our cherished organization into a new era of confidence and advocacy." Hurd echoed his sentiments, promising to protect and enhance the union's resources during these transitional times.

A Unified Leadership