Twenty-Six Emerge Graduates on General Election Ballot

Election Results Will Impact Women’s Representation in Offices Across State

Albuquerque, NM – Twenty-six graduates of Emerge New Mexico, the state’s premier organization for recruiting and training Democratic women to run for office, are running for offices ranging from County Treasurer to US Congress on the November 8 General Election ballot. In 2016, thirty-one Emerge graduates women hold elected office, in positions ranging from statewide office to school board positions, representing areas across the state of New Mexico.  Emerge alumnae will also serve a pivotal role in Tuesday’s general election as four women candidates try to beat their Republican opponents and flip the New Mexico House back to Democratic control.

“Women are underrepresented at every level of elected office in New Mexico, and Emerge New Mexico graduates are creating the solution.  Emerge New Mexico graduates stepped up to run in challenging races across the state,” said Reena Szczepanski, Executive Director of Emerge NM, “We expect a number of these strong women candidates to win on Tuesday.  These strong women candidates are role models for women and girls across our state.” 

“New Mexico currently ranks nineteenth in the nation for the representation of women in its state legislature,” said House Democratic Caucus Chair Rep. Patricia Roybal Caballero (D-Albuquerque), “Our government should be truly reflective of our communities, and Emerge is making a difference to increase the number of women running for office.  When women run for office, we bring new perspectives and highlight issues that are critical for every day New Mexicans.  When women run for office, girls and women across our state are inspired to be leaders in their communities too.”

Emerge New Mexico Candidates