Publications

Latina New Americans are changing the face of American politics. These women are running, and winning, in elections across the country, yet data
on their representation has often been limited or overlooked. Many also face significant structural and cultural barriers, and some have run strong
campaigns without securing a seat. Each candidacy, whether victorious or not, builds visibility, shifts narratives, and paves the way for future leaders. The following fact sheet provides concrete numbers and comparisons that advocates, policymakers, and community members can use to identify gaps, target resources, and build stronger pipelines for Latina New American leadership.

Latina New Americans are women who identify as Latina and are either first-generation immigrants (born outside of the United States) or second- generation immigrants (born in the U.S. to at least one immigrant parent). Latina New Americans bring unique perspectives shaped by migration stories, often times bilingualism, and deep community ties, which are perspectives that strengthen policymaking and better reflect the lived realities of the communities
they serve.

Vote Mama Foundation, the nation’s leading source of research and analysis about the political participation of moms, and New American Leaders, the only nationwide, nonpartisan nonprofit that empowers first- and second-generation Americans to run, win, and lead in public office through training, governance support, and research are proud to release collaborative research about the growing presence of “New American Mamas” in state legislatures.

This fact sheet explores the opportunity to combine the groundbreaking data of Vote Mama Foundation and New American Leaders to better understand and support the intersectional identities of mothers and New Americans serving in government. Through research, both organizations aim to advance inclusive political representation and reduce barriers to political participation and civic engagement.

New Americans proved their power at the 2024 ballot box with big wins for first- and second-generation American candidates up and down the ballot.

A record 83 NAL program alumni from 17 states running for elected office. Of those, 52 moved on from their primaries to the General Election to post an overall 76% total win rate. Delve into this fact sheet for some key takeaways.

Since 2020, New American Leaders has been shining a spotlight on the rise of New American representation in state legislatures, with a fresh report released every two years. Our 2024 report covers the progress from the last 2 years.

Despite major wins, significant gaps remain. Barriers like voter suppression, financial obstacles, and limited access to political networks are still holding New Americans back. Tackling these challenges is essential to ensure fair and equal opportunities for all candidates.

The first of its kind, the Narrative Nation report studies the impacts messaging has on New American political engagement outside of get out the vote messaging and provides clear guidance on how community organizations, political parties, and advocacy groups alike can implement these findings to empower the next generation of immigrant leaders.

Created in partnership with Dr. Diana Da In Lee of Columbia University, this study evaluated over two dozen messages to identify which messaging frames are most effective in engaging New Americans to take civic action, including exploring a run for public office.

Since the release of the State of Representation 2020, New Americans have run—and won—history making campaigns for state legislatures. But with their victories, where does New American representation stand? What progress has been made toward securing representational parity?

In this report, New American Leaders examines the state of New American representation in state legislatures, highlighting new gains and continued gaps, and presents new recommendations on how representational parity can be achieved in all state legislatures.

In this report, New American Leaders examines one of the primary barriers for full representation and inclusion in our democracy: the financial commitments it takes
to run, win, and lead in elected office.

Following an extensive data review, creation of multiple case studies, and interviews with New American state legislators, State of Pay 2021 presents five key policy recommendations that not only would help close the representation gap for New Americans and other underrepresented groups, but also improve representation and
policies for all communities.

New Americans are underrepresented in state legislatures across the country. But which states are close to achieving parity? How can the representation gap be closed? Read this report to find the answers to these questions and more.

Not one single state in America has enough Latinos and Asian American representatives in office. But the big question is -- why? And what can we do to close this gap?

Click here to read and download RUN LOCAL - The New American Electorate and the 2013 Municipal Elections - March 2013

A scorecard for immigrant leadership in America