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 2027 cohort runs from October 2026 to February 2027. To be considered for a seat in the Class of 2027 cohort, interested applicants must complete the following:
Invitations to join the 2027 Emerge NM Signature Program to be extended in February 2027.
The success of the Emerge New Mexico Signature Program depends upon each participant’s commitment to the program’s entire schedule. Over the seven-month program, approximately 80 hours of training are scheduled. Additional time outside of regularly scheduled training will also be necessary for preparation, reflection, and completion of mandatory volunteer hours.
Sessions are typically held one weekend per month unless otherwise noted. Sessions are held in person, and training dates are subject to change as needed by the Executive Director. Please note that a change to a scheduled training date does not change the program’s attendance policy or provide an additional excused absence.
While we understand that emergencies sometimes arise, attendance during the entire first weekend of training is mandatory. Missing any portion of the first training weekend may result in deferral to the following year’s class.
After the first training weekend, program members are permitted one excused absence, equivalent to one training day, during the remainder of the program. Missing more than one training day, including when a previously scheduled training date has been changed, may result in deferral to the following year’s class.
Please carefully review the tentative schedule below before applying to ensure that you are available and prepared to attend all tentatively scheduled training days.
April 3rd – 4th: Orientation & Day 1
April 17th – 18th: Day 2 and Day 3
May 7th – 9th: Kickoff Reception, Day 4, and Day 5
June 4th – 6th: Las Cruces Reception, Day 6, and Day 7
July 10th – 11th: Day 8 and Day 9
August 7th – 8th: Day 10 and Day 11
August 28th: Mock Legislative Session and Graduation in Santa Fe
*Finalized dates will be forthcoming upon acceptance into the Emerge NM Program.
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.
Applications are now open for the
2027 Emerge New Mexico Signature Program!
Emerge New Mexico is now accepting applications from Democratic women and nonbinary leaders who are ready to step forward, strengthen their leadership, and prepare to run for elected office.
Before you apply, we encourage you to learn more about Emerge New Mexico and our in-depth Signature Program:
Learn about the Signature Program
Apply for the 2027 Emerge New Mexico Signature Program:
https://bit.ly/2027EmergeNMapplication
Application Deadline: Sunday, October 18, 2026, at 11:59 p.m.
We’re excited that you’re taking this step! Before you begin, please review the information below to make sure you can access, complete, and successfully submit your application.
In addition to completing the online application, you will be asked to:
A note as you prepare your application: Be sure to reach out to your champions early! At least two letters of recommendation must also be submitted by the application deadline, so please give your recommenders plenty of time to share why they believe in you, your leadership, and your potential to serve.
Completing your application does not automatically submit it. Once you have reviewed your application and are ready to send it to us:
We strongly encourage you not to wait until the final minutes before the deadline to submit your application.
If you experience technical issues with the application platform, please email application@emergeamerica.org.
If you have questions about the application process or the Emerge New Mexico Signature Program, please contact us at contact@emergenm.org. We’re happy to help!
We look forward to learning more about you and the leadership you hope to bring to New Mexico!