New American Leaders Action Fund Announces Endorsements in Historic New York and Illinois Races

As all eyes shift to state legislative races ahead of key Supreme Court decisions, New American Leaders Action Fund (NALAF) announced their latest endorsements in key legislative races in Illinois and New York. Endorsees include:

  • Hoan Huynh, candidate for Illinois State House, District 13

  • David Alexis, candidate for New York State Senate, District 21

  • Jessica Altagracia Woolford, candidate for New York State Assembly, District 81

  • Jabari Brisport, candidate for New York State Senate, District 25

  • Samra Brouk, candidate for New York State Senate, District 56

  • Catalina Cruz, candidate for New York State Assembly, District 39

  • Kristen Gonzalez, candidate for New York State Senate, District 59

  • Jeremy Joseph, candidate for New York State Senate, District 7

  • Steven Raga, candidate for New York State Assembly, District 30

  • Sarahana Shrestha, candidate for New York State Assembly, District 103

“Since 2018, New American communities have turned out to vote in historic numbers, securing Democratic victories from state legislatures all the way to the White House. Now our hard won progress is on the line,” said Ghida Dagher, president of New American Leaders Action Fund.

“The candidates we endorsed today are the types of progressive champions we need in state legislatures to protect our rights and representation. They are proven leaders with deep community ties and the shared lived experiences our communities need to be heard and included in critical policy decisions,” she continued.

“As we see mounting attacks on our rights, rising white nationalism, and the ongoing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is critical that New Americans are heard and represented,” Dagher stated. 

“But this slate goes beyond just protecting the progress we have made—it builds on it. Once elected, these candidates will make history, becoming the first Vietnamese American ever elected to the Illinois Legislature and the first Filipino ever elected in New York state. Others will continue to pave the way for future trailblazers through their reelection, bringing their experiences as ‘firsts’ to the table to ensure that no voice is silenced in our democracy.

“Our rights, our lives, and the future of our democracy are on the line. These candidates understand what is at stake and are committed to creating the changes we need. We are proud to stand with them in challenging the political status quo to create a stronger, more inclusive democracy.”