New Americans Win in Arizona and Michigan, Prompting General Election Excitement for Progressive Democrats

Yesterday, all eyes were on Arizona and Michigan, two key swing states, as voters made their voices heard in their primary elections. Seen as an indicator for how the states may go in the general election, these elections overwhelmingly pointed to voters’ excitement for progressive, community-based candidates. In response to the initial results, New American Leaders Action Fund Founder and President Sayu Bhojwani released the following statement: 

“Last night’s victories are a continuation of what we have seen in primaries across the country—that the time for change has come. New Americans, people of color, and young voters are turning out in historic numbers and changing the face of representation. Instead of sending establishment politicians back to office, we are electing people like us—BIPOC leaders, women, LGBTQ+ advocates, and allies—to represent our communities with unapologetically authentic experiences rooted in diverse identities.

“Although the final results are still coming in, we are incredibly proud to have endorsed so many trailblazing candidates in Michigan and Arizona, including U.S. Representative Rashida Tlaib, Arizona State Senator Juan Mendez, Arizona State Representative Athena Salman, and so many other fierce New Americans. No matter what the final results show, their campaigns have helped change the narrative of who can and should run for office and win and show the power of the growing New American electorate. 

“We have the power to swing elections and are unafraid to make our voices heard on the streets and at the ballot box. Our communities will not settle for another two or four years of politics as usual this November. This year’s primary results show that we are ready for new and accountable leaders who will get into good trouble by fighting for justice, helping our communities rebuild from the coronavirus, and creating a stronger, more equitable democracy.”  

New American Leaders Action Fund endorsed 16 candidates in local and federal races, including:

  • Melody Hernandez; Arizona State House of Representatives, District 26

  • Juan Mendez; Arizona State Senate, District 26

  • JoAnna Mendoza; Arizona State Senate, District 11

  • Tony Navarrete; Arizona State Senate, District 30

  • Athena Salman; Arizona State House of Representatives, District 26

  • Raquel Terán; Arizona State House of Representatives, District 30

  • Darrin Camilleri; Michigan State House of Representatives, District 23

  • Alex Garza; Michigan State House of Representatives, District 12

  • Abdullah Hammoud; Michigan State House of Representatives, District 15

  • Amina Iqbal; Canton Library Board, Michigan

  • Mari Manoogian; Michigan State House of Representatives, District 40

  • Ranjeev Puri; Michigan State House of Representatives, District 21

  • Yousef Rahbi; Michigan State House of Representatives, District 53

  • Gabriela Santiago Romero; County Commissioner — Wayne County, MI

  • Linh Song; Ann Arbor City Council, Ward 2

  • Rashida Tlaib; United States House of Representatives, District 13