FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 3, 2026
CONTACT:
Samantha Pedreiro, Chief Operating Officer
New American Leaders/New American Leaders Action Fund
samantha@newamericanleaders.org 

New American Leaders Action Fund Endorses First Slate of New American Candidates for 2026

NEW YORK — New American Leaders Action Fund (NALAF) today announced its first slate of endorsements for the 2026 election cycle, backing 12 New American candidates—immigrants and children of immigrants—across five states. The slate includes five candidates for state legislatures, three candidates for Justice of the Peace, and one candidate for Secretary of State. This cohort of endorsees also includes candidates running for city council, county commissions, and Congress.

“Our first round of 2026 endorsees signals a very powerful and promising year for New Americans,” said Ghida Dagher, president and CEO of New American Leaders Action Fund. “Last year, we endorsed 72 New American candidates—our largest endorsee cohort in NALAF history. With the midterm elections happening this year, we look forward to surpassing that record, and empowering even more New American candidates as they take charge and boldly reimagine what our political system can look like.”

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. NALAF supports candidates who are grounded in community and want to create an inclusive and welcoming country for New Americans and a healthy democracy for all. 

“As the daughter of immigrants, I am honored to receive the endorsement of New American Leaders Action Fund,” said Suzanna Shkreli, who is running for Michigan Secretary of State. “Growing up, I learned how to develop an unrelenting work ethic for the purpose of serving the community. Since then, I’ve dedicated my career to empowering and advocating for our most vulnerable. As Secretary of State, I aim to defend our democracy and the rights of all Michiganders.” 

“This is my third time receiving an endorsement from New American Leaders Action Fund and I couldn’t be more proud,” said Nida Allam, candidate for U.S. House North Carolina District 4. “As Durham County Commissioner I have always been on the side of working families and standing up for immigrants rights. I am excited to have NALAF’s support in my campaign for Congress to ensure that working families and immigrants have a bright future.” Allam was elected to the Durham County Commission in 2020, making her the first Muslim woman to serve in public office in North Carolina.

NEW AMERICAN LEADERS ACTION FUND’S ENDORSED CANDIDATES (12)

Arizona

  • Arlene Chin for Tempe City Council

Illinois

  • Erin Chan Ding for Illinois House of Representatives, District 52

  • Guadalupe Rivera for Illinois House of Representatives, District 1

  • Miguel Alvelo-Rivera for Illinois House of Representatives, District 40

  • Wesam Shahed for Cook County Board of Commissioners, District 6

Michigan

  • Suzanna Shkreli for Michigan Secretary of State

North Carolina

  • Nida Allam for U.S. House of Representatives, District 4

  • Mona Singh for Wake County Board of Commissioners, At-Large

Texas

  • Pooja Sethi for Texas House of Representatives, District 47

  • Davis Mendoza Darusman for Harris County Justice of the Peace, Precinct 5, Place 2

  • Sophia Anwar for Denton County Justice of the Peace, Precinct 6

  • Audrey Nath for Houston City Council, District C

“Despite the imminent threats immigrant and New American communities are facing in our country, we are heartened by the initiative, dedication, and courage of these 12 leaders and their campaigns,” Dagher concluded. "Their commitment to actively engage with voters, protect our democracy, and boldly champion more humane policies are powerful reminders of what we can do when we show up for each other.”

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About New American Leaders Action Fund
New American Leaders Action Fund (NALAF) 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.

Stay connected with New American Leaders Action Fund (NALAF) by following us on social media @NALActionFund and sign up to receive updates at www.nalaf.org.

*New American Leaders and New American Leaders Action Fund are separate and distinct 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.