FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 15, 2024
CONTACT:
Jessica Delos Reyes
Director of Communications
[email protected]
719-494-7945

New American Leaders Lauds Record-Breaking 83 Alumni Running for Office in 2024 Election Cycle

NEW YORK— New American Leaders (NAL) reached an important milestone in the 2024 election cycle with a record number of 83 program alumni vying for office in 17 states across the country. Of the 68 alumni who advanced and appeared on the ballot in the General Election, an impressive 75%* (51) secured victories, advancing the presence of New Americans—first and second-generation immigrants and refugees—in public office. 

Since its founding in 2010, NAL remains the only national, nonpartisan organization focused on bringing New Americans into the political arena. In the past 14 years, NAL has trained more than 1,800 New Americans, empowering them to bridge the gap between underrepresented communities and political power. NAL alumni now serve at all levels of government, from school boards to Congress, demonstrating the critical role that diverse voices play in shaping our nation’s future. Reflecting NAL’s commitment to inclusive representation, the alumni who ran for office in the full 2024 cycle were: 59% women, 98% Black, Indigenous, people of color (BIPOC),and 14% LGBTQ+, illustrating the broad spectrum of experiences that these leaders bring to their communities.

“NAL alumni are making a profound impact, offering perspectives and solutions that reflect the diversity of our communities,” said Ghida Dagher, CEO of New American Leaders. “This election has shown that New Americans are not only ready to serve but are committed to strengthening our democracy by representing the people and places that make up the fabric of this nation.”

*Five races in California and Washington have yet to be called.

2024 General Election Alumni Statistics
During the 2024 election cycle, 83 alumni ran for office, with 68 of them appearing on the General Election ballot:

• 51 won (75%*)
• 12 lost (12%*)
• 5 races not yet called

*Percentages are out of the total alumni who ran in the 2024 General Election.

• Total Alumni Candidates: 83 alumni ran in the 2024 election cycle with 68 alumni appearing on the General Election ballot:
  • Women Candidates: 44/68 (65%) 
  • Incumbent Candidates: 35/68 (51%)
• Positions They Will Hold: State House (28), City/Town/Village Councils (6), School Boards (6), U.S. House of Representatives (3), State Senates (6), Community College Boards (1), & Mayors (1)
• Geographic Representation: Alaska (1), Arizona (7), California (8), Colorado (3), Georgia (5), Massachusetts (1), Michigan (7), Minnesota (1), Nevada (6), New Jersey (1), New Mexico (1), New York (6), Ohio (1) & Washington (3)

As more New Americans assume leadership roles, NAL continues to equip individuals with the skills and resources to navigate public service, whether through candidacy, advocacy, or community involvement.

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

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.

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

NAL’s Commitment to Civic Engagement and Inclusive Leadership
New American Leaders remains dedicated to building a democracy that includes all voices. Through its training programs, NAL empowers New Americans to take active roles in their communities, advocating for policies and actions that reflect their values. By emphasizing authenticity, accountability, and commitment to their communities, NAL alumni are helping to reshape public service and foster a more representative democracy.

“These candidates have shown remarkable dedication, running not only to serve but to inspire and create opportunities for future leaders,” Dagher added. “We honor and thank all those who ran, including those who were not successful this time, for their courage and commitment to public service. Their work strengthens our democracy and paves the way for a future where all voices are heard.”

For more information about New American Leaders and its upcoming training programs, please visit newamericanleaders.org. Please check out the State of Representation 2024 report to explore the 21.96% increase in New American state legislators since 2022, a powerful testament to this community’s growing influence and leadership.

New American Leaders (NAL) is the only national, nonpartisan organization dedicated to building a more inclusive democracy by empowering New Americans for public service and expanding civic engagement nationwide.

# # #