Due to heightened health and safety concerns, Emerge is making the wellbeing of all our employees and cohort members a top priority. As such, our trainings may be hosted in-person or virtually depending on state and national health guidelines and the comfort of the women and non-binary individuals in our network.
An applicant must be a self identified Democratic woman or non-binary individual
An applicant must reside in the state of New Mexico
An applicant must be have the following:
An applicant must agree to full program participation, which entails attendance at all training sessions throughout the seven-month period, and reading and responding to frequent communications from Emerge New Mexico.
Emerge New Mexico embraces diversity, equity, and inclusion and encourages applications from all self-identified Democratic women and non-binary individuals regardless of age, race, color, national or ethnic origin, marital status, religious affiliation, sexual orientation, socio-economic status or physical ability. We are also intentional about recruiting self-identified Democratic women and non-binary individuals from groups that have been historically excluded from politics, including the New American Majority — Black, Brown, and Indigenous women, women of color, LGBTQ+ women, and young and unmarried women.
Our mission is to increase the number of Democratic women and non-binary leaders from diverse backgrounds in public office through recruitment, training, and providing a powerful network. We acknowledge both systemic and historic barriers to running for office as well as the interval barriers women and non-binary individuals may impose on themselves. As such, we work hard to ensure our program meets the needs of all program members and we make diversity, equity, and inclusion a priority in all aspects of the program.
The application and selection process for the Class of 2026 runs from November 2025 to January 2026. To be considered for the Class of 2026, interested applicants must complete the following:
Invitations to join the 2026 class to be extended in February 2026.
The success of the Emerge New Mexico signature program depends upon commitment to the program’s entire schedule by each participant. Over the seven-month period, approximately 70 program hours are scheduled. Additional time outside of regularly scheduled training will be necessary for preparation, reflection, and mandatory volunteer hours. While we understand that emergencies sometimes arise, attendance at the first day of training is mandatory and absence may result in a deferral to the following year. Also, program members are permitted one excused absence throughout the program. Additional absences, however, may result in deferral to the following year. Review the schedule below to ensure your availability to attend all training days.
Sessions are typically held one weekend per month unless otherwise noted. Sessions may be scheduled virtually and are subject to change as needed by the Executive Director.
March 14th – 15th: Orientation & Day 1
April 10th – 12th: Kick-off Reception, Day 2, and Day 3
May 1st – 3rd: Las Cruces Reception, Day 4, and Day 5
May 30th – 31st: Day 6 and Day 7
June 27th – 28th: Day 8 and Day 9
July 18th – 19th: Day 10 and Day 11
Sept 12th: Mock Legislative Session and Graduation in Santa Fe
*Finalized dates will be forthcoming.
A non-refundable application fee of $35.00 is required and must be submitted along with a completed application. The application fee may be paid online through the application portal. Alternatively, a check payable to ‘Emerge New Mexico’ may be mailed to Emerge New Mexico, P. O. BOX 7729, ALBUQUERQUE, NM 87194.
Tuition for the seven-month signature program is $300.00. Payment installment plans are available.
Generally, the training sessions take place in various parts of the state for two consecutive days each month, with a reception the evening before two of those sessions as indicated a. In these cases, travel and overnight accommodations may be necessary depending on your location and proximity to the training site. Emerge New Mexico will make every effort to assist with supporter housing when needed, although travel and lodging costs are not typically covered by the program.
At Emerge New Mexico, we believe individual circumstances should not be a barrier to applying and participating in the program. As such, we offer partial financial assistance to those who qualify.
If financial concerns are holding you back from completing your application, reach out to Emerge New Mexico at contact@emergenm.org.
Note to Current Candidates for Public Office: Current candidates (at the time applying for a scholarship) are ineligible for funding support. Since Emerge New Mexico is a NON-PAC 527 organization, we cannot endorse candidates or provide financial support, including via monetary contributions or in-kind donations to current candidates. This is why current candidates for elected office are NOT eligible for scholarships. We highly encourage applicants to contact Emerge New Mexico to discuss their options at contact@emergenm.org.
The application process for our 2026 Signature Program is now open. The deadline to apply is December 14, 2025.
If you are planning to apply to the Emerge New Mexico Signature Program, please visit our Signature Program webpage and read it in full before starting your application.
Apply here: https://bit.ly/EmergeNMapplication