About Our Endorsements
We are committed to increasing New American American representation at all levels of office by supporting bold New American candidates running for office. We support candidates grounded in community who want to create an inclusive and welcoming country for New Americans and who are interested in creating a healthy democracy for all.
Candidates running for local, state, or congressional seats who are New Americans from all racial and ethnic backgrounds, including U.S. territories, who are able to demonstrate a strong connection to their heritage and who are active and engaged in their communities are encouraged to apply.
Important Dates
February 22, 2023 NALAF endorsement questionnaire opens
March 10, 2023 Priority deadline for candidates with April through mid-June primaries
April 14 2023 Priority deadline for candidates with late-June and July primaries
May 19, 2023 Priority deadline for candidates with August primaries
August 21, 2023 The NALAF endorsement application closes for the 2023 cycle
Please allow at least 30 days from the priority deadline for your application to be processed. NALAF will make our best effort to process applications based on core state priorities and the state primary calendar. Those with earlier primaries will be given priority. Applications received outside of priority deadlines will be accepted on a rolling basis until August 21, 2023.
Who We Endorse
NALAF is committed to increasing New American representation at all levels of our democracy. Individuals are selected on values-based criteria, in addition to campaign viability.
Who should apply
New Americans with a demonstrated dedication to advocating for democratic and immigration reforms at the statewide or municipal level.
NALAF has a core state model and will be giving special priority to applicants in Michigan, Arizona, New York, Nevada, Georgia, and Colorado for the 2023 cycle. The endorsement process is not exclusive to those states. As such, New Americans from all 50 states and territories are encouraged to apply and will be considered for endorsements.
New American Leaders (NAL)* alumni who are committed to furthering progressive policies and turning out a diverse coalition of voters. NAL, our 501(c)(3) affiliate organization, is movement building by training and coaching diverse candidates and campaign staff, in addition to building deep relationships in states where New Americans are ripe for exercising their political power. We are building on this important work.
New American women running in municipal, state legislative or congressional races. Women continue to be underrepresented in state legislatures and in municipal bodies. We will continue to help close the gender gap by endorsing women candidates.
New Americans running in cities and towns that have an emerging New American population of at least 10%. New Americans are running in emerging communities that are often overlooked by mainstream groups. NALAF is dedicated to building the bench in these municipalities.
*New American Leaders and New American Leaders Action Fund are separate organizations. New American Leaders is a 501 (c)(3) organization and does not coordinate or participate in any aspect of the endorsement process, candidate or campaign support, or any other partisan political activity.