FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 15, 2025
CONTACT: Jessica Delos Reyes
Director of Communications
New American Leaders/New American Leaders Action Fund
jess@newamericanleaders.org
New American Leaders Action Fund Endorses 21 Candidates Across State and Local Races
NEW YORK — New American Leaders Action Fund (NALAF) is proud to announce its next slate of endorsees, featuring 21 candidates from across eight states. Among those included in this round’s endorsements are three mayoral candidates: Alex Uballez for Albuquerque, N.M., State Representative Kaohly Her for St. Paul, Minn. and Robert Torres for Toledo, Ohio.
"This slate of 21 municipal and school board candidates embodies the resilience, representation and vision that New Americans bring to our democracy," said Anne Flomenhaft, National Political Director of New American Leaders Action Fund. “At a time when our democracy faces a slew of existential challenges and anti-immigrant rhetoric, these candidates have stepped up to lead in their communities, and we’re proud to offer them our endorsement."
NALAF is committed to increasing New American representation at all levels of government by supporting bold candidates who are first- and second-generation Americans running for office. We support candidates who are grounded in community and want to create an inclusive and welcoming country for New Americans and a healthy democracy for all. This cohort of endorsees also includes 15 candidates running for city council and three candidates running for school board positions.
"My parents’ story and our family’s New American journey have guided me throughout my work as an organizer, advocate, legislator, and now, as a candidate for mayor,” said State Representative Her, who is currently serving her third term. If she wins the mayorship, Her will become the first woman mayor of St. Paul and the first Hmong-American mayor of a major U.S. city. “I know how critical it is to uplift the voices of immigrant communities during this challenging time, and that’s why I am proud to receive the endorsement of New American Leaders Action Fund and to carry forward the mission of ensuring that the government truly reflects all of us."
Uballez is a former U.S. attorney who has spent his career in public service. If elected mayor, Uballez (of Chinese and Mexican-American descent) would become the first AAPI mayor of Albuquerque.
"I am honored to earn the endorsement of New American Leaders Action Fund,” he said. “As the son of an immigrant and a prosecutor who has fought for justice for all of the people of Albuquerque, no matter their birthplace, I am committed to building a safer, stronger Albuquerque where every person is represented and included in our democracy."
Torres began his career in public service nearly 30 years ago. If elected, he would be the first Latino mayor of a major city in Ohio.
"Thank you to New American Leaders Action Fund for your endorsement,” Torres said. “The City of Toledo deserves a government that reflects the strength and diversity of its people. As mayor, I will fight for safe and sustainable neighborhoods, a supportive environment for investment, and a responsible approach to spending. Together, we can build a city that uplifts every community."
So far in 2025, NALAF has endorsed 52 candidates; 50 of which have advanced to the general election on November 4. NALAF will announce an additional round of endorsed candidates early this fall.
View all of NALAF’s 2025 endorsees here.
The Latest New American Leaders Action Fund Endorsed Candidates (21)
Colorado
Ashish Vaidya for Centennial City Council, District 2
Gianina Horton for Aurora City Council, Ward 1
School Board President Anne Keke for Aurora Public Schools Board of Education, At-Large
Georgia
Erindra Brumley for Roswell City Council, Post 5
Juan Mendoza for Atlanta City Council, Post 1 At-Large
Massachusetts
Councilor Julia Mejia for Atlanta City Council, Post 1 At-Large
Councilor Ruthzee Louijeune for Boston City Council, At-Large
City Councilor Will Mbah for Somerville City Council, At Large
School Committee Member Jonathan Guzman for Lawrence School Committee, At-Large
School Committee Member Katherine Cabral for Chelsea School Committee, At-Large
Michigan
Gabrielle Dunai for Hudsonville City Commission, District 1
Quinn Zeagler for Ferndale City Council, At-Large
Minnesota
State Representative Kaohly Her for Mayor of St. Paul
New Mexico
Alex Uballez for Mayor of Albuquerque
Ohio
Roberto Torres for Mayor of Toledo
Gregory Lam for Dublin City Council, Ward 3
Maria Ramirez for Worthington City Council, At-Large
Rehan Waheed for Cleveland City Council, Ward 4
Council President Ukeme Awakessien Jeter for Upper Arlington City Council, At-Large
Mohammad Faraj for Cleveland City Council, Ward 7
Utah
Erika Carlsen for Salt Lake City City Council, District 5
In the 2024 General Election, NALAF endorsed 59 candidates across 15 states, with more than half (36) winning their races. Since 2018, NALAF has endorsed 233 New American candidates—117 of whom are currently serving. Of the 59 endorsed candidates in 2024, nearly half were first-time candidates (47%), and the majority (59%) ran for positions in state legislatures across 12 states.
"To receive our endorsement, each of these New American candidates has demonstrated a commitment to strengthening our democracy and advancing immigration reforms at the statewide or municipal level," Flomenhaft noted.
For more information on NALAF-endorsed candidates, the endorsement process, or to learn more about the New American Leaders Action Fund, please visit nalaf.org.
About New American Leaders Action Fund
New American Leaders Action Fund (NALAF), a nonpartisan, nonprofit 501(c)(4) organization, was launched in 2018 to help build a democracy that represents and includes all people. By supporting New Americans as they run for office, engage voters, expand civic engagement, and conduct original research, NALAF champions leadership that truly reflects the fabric of our nation.
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*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.