Full Breakdown
Leaving Maga: From Inside the Movement to a Nationwide Support Network
9/2/2026, 1:19:49 AM
Origin and Growth of Leaving Maga
Rich Logis, a former Trump-campaign volunteer, left the “Make America Great Again” (MAGA) community in 2022 after the Uvalde school shooting on May 24, 2022. He issued a public apology and founded the nonprofit Leaving Maga to provide a safe space for former supporters who wish to disengage. The organization runs a billboard campaign in 27 states and reports that “thousands of people” have joined its group chats and meet-ups.
Background: MAGA as an Identity
The movement has persisted through multiple impeachments and a lost election, but internal dissent has grown, prompting the creation of support networks for leavers.
Timeline of Key Moments
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 2022 – Uvalde school shooting (May 24) | Catalyst for Logis’s departure. |
| 2022 – Logis launches Leaving Maga | Begins outreach. |
| 2024 – Steven Francisci joins | Highlights continued growth. |
| 2024-present – Billboard campaign expands to 27 states | Increases public visibility. |
Personal Journeys (On-the-Ground Reports)
- Rich Logis says he shifted from a “burn-it-all-down” ethos to recognizing an “addiction to fear and rage” after diversifying his news sources. He cites Uvalde as the “final straw.”
- Steven Francisci describes a path that began with personal crises, leading him to question his beliefs, vote for Kamala Harris in 2024, and join his local Democratic committee.
- Stephania Messina links postpartum depression, a strict “tradwife” role, and contradictory COVID-19 messaging to her departure from MAGA after a personal loss in 2021.
These stories illustrate how trauma, media consumption, and political events can drive disengagement.
Data and Reach
- Billboard presence: 27 states (Leaving Maga).
- Membership: “Thousands” connected through online and in-person platforms.
- Growth: Steven Francisci notes, “There are a lot of us out there doing this work, and it keeps growing because it’s a safe place.”
Official Statements & Responses
*Content pending.*
Verbatim Quotes
- “There are a lot of us out there doing this work, and it keeps growing because it’s a safe place,” — Steven Francisci
What’s Next
Leaving Maga plans to expand its billboard outreach and host additional regional meet-ups, aiming to provide ongoing support for former MAGA supporters across the United States.
