To our NAL Community,

Tuesday was an extraordinarily challenging day for immigrant and refugee communities across the country. This election cycle underscored the unprecedented challenges our communities face—political polarization, economic uncertainty, and rising discrimination. Divisive rhetoric targeting immigrants has only further highlighted the uphill battles that so many New Americans—and New American candidates and legislators—continue to face. Yet, despite these obstacles, these leaders have demonstrated extraordinary resilience, grounded in their immigrant values and an unwavering commitment to community and a democracy that represents all voices.

We know you may be feeling a mixture of emotions—sadness, frustration, and determination. But as we have done time and again, we stand together. The results of any election do not define the worth or strength of our immigrant communities. At New American Leaders and New American Leaders Action Fund (NAL/AF), we have seen this strength firsthand in the New Americans who stepped up to lead this year. They brought their communities’ voices and perspectives into the political arena, embodying the courage and integrity that our movement needs.

We couldn’t be prouder of our NAL alumni, 80 ran in 2024—the most in NAL’s history! Of those on the November ballot, 56% have won so far. These numbers may shift as final results come in, but one thing is certain: each of these candidates is a testament to the resilience of our communities and the future we are working toward. These numbers may shift as final results come in, but one thing is certain: each of these candidates is a testament to the resilience of our communities and the future we are working toward.

Win or lose, our candidates and communities’ bravery, their courage in the face of adversity, and their commitment to building a more inclusive democracy are victories in themselves. As supporters of NALAF, we hope you take pride in the role you’ve played in empowering these remarkable leaders and the transformative impact they continue to make across the country.

We’re a political home for those who have ever felt they didn’t belong in politics or that someone like them could not hold power. We’re here to tell you that you belong at New American Leaders and in political life. You are the leaders you’ve been waiting for. In moments like these, where uncertainty looms, we have to dig deep and find the leaders within ourselves. At NAL, we believe that leadership transcends party lines. True leadership is defined by courage, resilience, and a commitment to authentically representing and uplifting your community.

For New Americans, this election is a reminder that resilience and tenacity are essential in times of uncertainty. As the landscape shifts, we commit to grounding ourselves even more firmly in our heritage and values. True leadership is defined by dedication to community and an unshakeable belief in a democracy that truly includes us all.

Now, as we prepare to support the next cohort of New American leaders who will step into their power, we invite you to join us. You can make a difference by supporting a future leader through one of our training programs, or by donating to help expand our governance work to guide and uplift newly elected legislators.

We will provide a certified update with a deeper analysis once all election results are finalized. Thank you for your steadfast support in advancing a democracy where every voice is valued and represented.

With gratitude,
Ghida Dagher
CEO/President, New American Leaders 
 

2024 New American Leaders (NAL) General Election Alumni Update
Among our NAL alumni, 80 ran this cycle—the most in NAL’s history! Of those on the general election ballot, 56% have won so far. New American Leaders alumni continue to make significant strides in political representation, showcasing the impact of diverse leadership across the nation.

Alumni Statistics for 2024

• Overall Win Rate (so far): 56% 
• Total Alumni Candidates: 80
• Women Candidates: 60% (48/80)
• Re-election Candidates: 37
• Non-incumbents: 43

Alumni Currently Serving by Office Level

• State Legislature: 33
• City/Town/Village Council: 13
• School Board: 11
• U.S. House of Representatives: 8
• State Senate: 7
• Community College Board: 2
• County-Level: 3
• Mayor: 2
• Statewide Office: 1

Important Wins Within Our NAL Alumni Community
NAL alumni made significant strides in key races across the country, demonstrating their dedication to community-centered leadership and diversity:

• Arizona: Brian Garcia, a former school board member, topped the primary vote count despite declaring his candidacy just days before the filing deadline. He has now won in the general election and will serve as a state legislator.

• Massachusetts: At just 24 years old, Tara Hong unseated a five-term incumbent to win a seat in the Massachusetts State Legislature.

• Michigan: 

  • Ammara Ansari will become the first Pakistani Muslim woman—and possibly the youngest—to serve on the Canton Township Council. She joins fellow alum Tania Ganguly, who also won re-election on Tuesday.

  • Eleanor Moreno made history as the first non-binary person elected to the Grand Rapids School Board, securing the top vote.

• Nevada: 

  • Jovan Jackson was elected to the Nevada State Legislature as the first biracial, formerly incarcerated North Las Vegas resident to hold this seat.

  • Aaron Bautista, a teacher and community organizer, won a seat on the University of Nevada Board of Regents.

• Texas: Ivan Niño led the vote in a special election for El Paso City Council and will advance to the runoff on December 12, 2024.

NAL alumni contested key races, showcasing their commitment to their communities and the power of diverse leadership:

• Sen. Dave Min (CA-47): Running for U.S. Congress in a competitive district, Min, a second-generation Korean American, has served in the California State Senate since 2020.

• Hon. Yadira Caraveo (CO-8): Seeking re-election in Colorado’s most competitive congressional district.

Beyond our alumni, several New Americans achieved significant electoral victories nationwide, marking historic milestones:

• Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03): Will become the first Middle Eastern/North African woman to represent Arizona in the U.S. Congress.

• Andy Kim: Elected as New Jersey's first Korean American Senator.

• Yara Zokaie (CO-HD52): Elected as the first Iranian American to join the Colorado State House.

• Cindy Nava (NM-SD09): A former DACA recipient, now elected to the New Mexico Legislature.

These achievements underscore the expanding influence and representation of immigrant communities in U.S. governance.

2024 General Election Trends and Takeaways

• Arizona

  • AZ Prop 139 passed, which enshrines the right to abortion. 

  • AZ Prop 314 passed which essentially deputizes local law enforcement to arrest and detain people they suspect of being undocumented and allow local judges to order deportations. 

  • AZ Prop 133 failed which would have required partisan primary elections for partisan offices and prohibit primary elections where all candidates, regardless of political party affiliation, run in the same primary election, such as top-two, top-four, and top-five primaries.

• California

  • Several still to be called Congressional seats could be the deciding factor in who has the majority in the US House of Representatives.

  • Our alumnus, Dave Min, is in a tight race that could be one of the deciding races for the US House of Representatives majority for the Democrats. He is trailing his Republican opponent by 3,000 votes with 66% reporting in. 

• Colorado

  • Amendment 79 passed which provides for a state constitutional right to abortion and repeal provision banning the use of public funds for abortions.

  • Proposition 131 failed which would have established top-four primaries and ranked-choice voting (RCV) for federal and state offices in Colorado.

• Florida

  • Amendment 4 failed to pass which would have provided for a state constitutional right to abortion before fetal viability. The amendment received support by 57% of the voters, but did not clear the 60% threshold required to pass. 

• Georgia

  • Cobb County GA false bomb threats, poll sites evacuated. It was debunked by the FBI but this stir-up in a heavily POC-dominated county poll site could have led to voter suppression.

• Michigan 

  • Democrats face a potential loss of their narrow majority in the Michigan State House, which stood at just a two-seat lead heading into this election. As results continue to be counted, we are closely watching the outcomes of approximately 15 undecided races. Losing control of the House would end Michigan’s two-year Democratic trifecta in state politics.

• Nevada

  • Question 6 passed which provides for a state constitutional right to abortion before fetal viability.

  • Question 3 failed which would have established a top-five primaries and ranked-choice voting (RCV) for federal and state offices in Nevada.

• New York 

  • Prop 1 passed, which provides that people cannot be denied rights based on their "ethnicity, national origin, age, and disability" or "sex, including sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy outcomes, and reproductive healthcare and autonomy."

Thank you for your unwavering support in empowering New American leaders. We look forward to sharing certified results and a deeper analysis of alumni achievements. Together, we are building a stronger, more representative democracy.