Baton Rouge, LA—Emerge Louisiana, the state’s premier organization that recruits and trains Democratic women to run for office, announced it has three women on the ballot this November in local races across the state. This follows a successful primary season for the organization nationally, which celebrated a 77% win rate this year. The Emerge alums who go on to win their races will serve their communities in office, providing new experiences, voices, and representation to their constituents.
Emerge alums on the ballot share unique backgrounds and identities that will bring much-needed perspectives to elected offices in Louisiana. Two are members of the New American Majority–Black, Brown, and Indigenous women and women of color, as well as LGBTQ+, young, and unmarried women–and two are first-time candidates. Emerge alums across Louisiana are at the frontlines of repowering political structures and bringing parity to office.
“Emerge alums are ready to hit the campaign trail in Louisiana and provide new representation in our local offices,” said Melissa Watson Ward, deputy affiliate director for Emerge. “These women highlight the importance of our municipal offices and the difference women can make serving in them. As we look to expand Emerge’s representation this year, Emerge alums and their success will make it happen. Good luck to all of our alums on the ballot this November, and we look forward to seeing you on the campaign trail and in office.”
More information about the alums on the ballot:
Lauren Jewett - Jefferson Parish School Board, District 6
Tracy Washington Wells - Hammond Mayor
Patrice Sentino - Orleans Parish School Board, District 1
Nationally, Emerge has trained more than 5,000 alums since 2002 and currently has more than 1,000 alums in elected office across the country. The organization is committed to reaching 100,000 women of the New American Majority over the next 15 years, fostering a lift as you climb culture for women in politics, and repowering political structures. There are currently 27 state affiliates, and the organization has impacted 45 states, Washington, D.C., and territories. Emerge is committed to reaching 100,000 women of the New American Majority, repowering political structures, and fostering a lift as you climb culture for women in politics during the next 15 years.
For more information, please visit la.emergeamerica.org