Fran Drescher Won’t Seek Re-Election As SAG-AFTRA President

Fran Drescher led SAG-AFTRA through its painful 2023 strike, but she’s not seeking a third term as the actors union’s president.

Her decision to opt out of became official when SAG released the list of candidates for the next election. Sean Astin has submitted a bid to lead the 160,000-member organization, as has SAG-AFTRA New England Local board member Chuck Slavin.

Drescher took over the top spot in 2021. When she was reelected in 2023, she said she wanted “all members to be equal in all ways and I will continue to fight against marginalization and discrimination within our union, from our employers and the world at large.”

Members will receive their ballots Aug. 13, which must be returned on Sept. 12. Peter Antico and Michelle Hurd are running national secretary-treasurer, while Joely Fisher is up for president of the Los Angeles Local Board, Lisa Ann Walter for first vice president of the Local Board, and David Jolliffe for second vice president. 

A new round of negotiations will take place next year with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers.