No kings protests sweep New Jersey as activists call for democracy without dynasties
NEWARK, NJ – Across more than 40 towns from Newton to Cape May, demonstrators are gathering under one banner this weekend: “No Kings.”
The decentralized protest movement, which first surfaced online earlier this year, aims to draw attention to what organizers call a growing culture of political entitlement and dynastic power in American government.
Events are being staged Saturday at public greens, town halls, and parks statewide, with some locations already filled to capacity, including Closter, Butler, Madison, and River Edge.
Key Points
- “No Kings” protests held statewide across more than 40 New Jersey towns
- Movement rejects political dynasties and calls for transparent, accountable leadership
- Some events reached capacity due to high turnout and security limits
A movement with historical echoes
The “No Kings” campaign takes its name from a centuries-old American ideal rejecting inherited authority. Organizers say the effort is not tied to any political party but seeks to highlight what they view as a creeping return to dynastic influence in both national and local politics. “We believe leadership should be earned, not inherited,” said one spokesperson, emphasizing that the events are peaceful and community-led.
Local actions across the state
In Newark, crowds gathered at 12 Springfield Avenue around 1 p.m., waving homemade signs reading “Power to the People” and “No Crowns in Congress.” In Jersey City, hundreds met at City Hall, while simultaneous events unfolded in Trenton, Princeton, and Morristown. Many smaller towns—like Glen Ridge, Highland Park, and Newton—hosted their own rallies on local greens and public squares.
Organizers coordinated times between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. to allow statewide participation. Several meetings required pre-registration, a measure introduced after earlier gatherings exceeded venue capacities.
Goals of the protest
According to official statements shared through the “No Kings” online platform, the movement’s objectives include campaign finance transparency, stricter anti-nepotism regulations, and stronger public oversight of local appointments. Organizers stress that the protests are not anti-government but pro-reform, aiming to “reclaim civic power from political inheritance.”
Public response and turnout
Local police departments across New Jersey reported mostly peaceful conditions, with attendance varying from a few dozen in smaller towns to several hundred in urban centers. Some participants described the rallies as a “civic wake-up call” for a generation weary of entrenched power structures.
Despite the wide reach, “No Kings” remains loosely organized—without central leadership or formal hierarchy. Supporters say that’s the point: a movement without monarchs, for a democracy without dynasties.
Full list of New Jersey “No Kings” protest locations and times
- Newton: Newton Green, 11 a.m.
- Waldwick: Angel Quest, 81 Franklin Turnpike, 1 p.m.
- Closter: Event at capacity
- Butler: Event at capacity
- River Edge: Event at capacity
- Teaneck: Sign up for address, 1 p.m.; Teaneck Municipal Building, 818 Teaneck Road, 1 p.m.
- Caldwell: The Caldwell Green, Bloomfield and Roseland avenues, 1 p.m.
- Rutherford: Sign up for address, 1 p.m.
- Montclair (area): Sign up for address, 12 p.m.
- Denville: Sign up for address, 2 p.m.
- Morristown: 200 South St., 11 a.m.
- Glen Ridge: Ridgewood and Bloomfield avenues, 12 p.m.
- Bloomfield: 1 Municipal Plaza, 10 a.m.
- Madison: Event at capacity
- Guttenberg: Galaxy Mall, 7000 JFK Blvd. E, 12 p.m.
- Jersey City: Jersey City Hall, 280 Grove St., 10 a.m.
- Weehawken: Hamilton Park, Hudson Place, 1 p.m.
- Newark: 12 Springfield Ave., 1 p.m.
- Maplewood: 1662 Springfield Ave., 12:30 p.m.
- Springfield: 135 US-22, 12 p.m.
- New Providence: Veterans Memorial Park, South Street, 11 a.m.
- Mountainside: 1385 US-22, 11:30 a.m.
- Plainfield: Sign up for address, 12 p.m.
- Rahway: Saint Georges and West Grand avenues, 4 p.m.
- Phillipsburg: Sign up for address, 10:30 a.m.
- Milford: Sign up for address, 12:30 p.m.
- Frenchtown: Sign up for address, 10 a.m.
- Piscataway: Piscataway Municipal Complex, 4 p.m.
- Franklin Township (Somerset County): The Franklin Gazebo, 475 Demott Lane, 12 p.m.
- Highland Park: Raritan and South Adelaide avenues, 11 a.m.
- North Brunswick: Virtual event, 12 p.m.
- Hopewell: East Broad Street, 2 p.m.
- Lambertville–New Hope: Sign up for address, 2:30 p.m.
- Princeton: Monument Park, 2 p.m.
- Red Bank: Route 35 bridge, 1 p.m.
- Monroe: Prospect Plains and Perrineville roads, 12 p.m.
- Tinton Falls: Asbury Avenue and Green Grove Road, 1 p.m.
- Hightstown: Sign up for address, 11 a.m.
- Trenton: The Plaza, 145 W State St., 12 p.m.
- Lakewood: Airport Road and Route 70E, 2 p.m.
- Toms River: 1055 Hooper Ave., 1:30 p.m.
- Lacey Township: Lacey Township Town Hall, 818 Lacey Road, 3:30 p.m.
- Haddon Township: Westmont PATCO Station, 12 p.m.
- Long Beach Island (Ship Bottom): 380 West 9th St., 1 p.m.
- Galloway: Galloway Township Municipal Complex, 300 E Jimmie Leads Road, 1 p.m.
- Millville (Down Jersey Coalition): Sign up for address, 11 a.m.
- Pennsville: Riverview Beach Park, 27 N Broadway, 12 p.m.
- Vineland: Sign up for address, 11 a.m.
- Glassboro: William Dalton and Delsea drives, 2 p.m.
- Pine Hill: 500 W Branch Ave., 12 p.m.
- Atlantic City: Missouri Avenue and the Boardwalk, 2 p.m.
- Ocean City: 45 W 9th St., 10 a.m.
- Cape May: Cape May Courthouse, US 9 and Mechanic Street, 2 p.m.