Better Together New Mexico is continuing our look at Emerge and its growing influence in New Mexico politics.
As discussed in the first two parts of this series, Emerge is a national political training organization that recruits, trains, and supports Democratic women running for office. Emerge New Mexico says it has trained hundreds of women and non-binary candidates since 2006, with more than 100 alumni currently serving in public office across the state.
That influence matters.
Over the past several years, Emerge graduates have become a powerful force inside New Mexico politics. Many now serve in the Legislature, on the courts, in Congress, and in other positions of public influence. Some of the most recognizable Emerge New Mexico alumni include Deb Haaland, former Congresswoman and current candidate for Governor of New Mexico, and Melanie Stansbury, current Congresswoman.
But Emerge is more than a candidate training program. It is part of a broader political network that helps move policy ideas from advocacy organizations into the Legislature, through state government, and ultimately into law.
The Four Branches of the Political Machine
When major legislation moves through New Mexico government, four key pieces often appear.
1. Legislative
This is where Emerge-trained lawmakers introduce, sponsor, co-sponsor, and advance legislation. These lawmakers may influence which bills are heard in committee, which proposals gain momentum, and which policies ultimately reach the Governor’s desk.
2. Executive
Once legislation passes the House and Senate, the executive branch takes over. State agencies and the Governor’s office are responsible for implementing, promoting, and expanding many of these policies after they become law.
3. Universities
Universities often serve as training grounds for future activists, advocates, policy staff, and candidates. Campus environments can shape the next generation of political leaders and help normalize ideas that later appear in legislation, agency policy, and advocacy campaigns.
4. NGOs and Advocacy Organizations
This is where many policy ideas begin. NGOs, advocacy groups, and nonprofit organizations often draft proposals, organize public support, provide research, train activists, and help create the pressure needed to move legislation forward. Many operate as 501(c)(3) nonprofits or 501(c)(4) lobbying organizations and receive support from large foundations, donors, and public funding sources.
How the Process Works: HB 124
House Bill 124, which created the permanent New Americans Division within the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions, provides a clear example of how this process can work.
The effort began with advocacy organizations and policy supporters who promoted the creation of a permanent state office focused on immigrants, refugees, and foreign-born workers in New Mexico’s workforce.
The bill was then carried through the legislative branch by Rep. Cristina Parajón, a 2023 Emerge New Mexico graduate. HB 124 also had multiple co-sponsors who appear on Emerge New Mexico’s alumni list, including Rep. Reena Szczepanski, a former executive director of Emerge New Mexico who now serves as House Majority Floor Leader.
Once HB 124 passed the Legislature and was signed into law, the executive branch took over. The New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions and state officials then moved forward with implementation and public promotion of the new division.
HB 124 shows how the process can work: advocacy groups push an idea, Emerge-trained lawmakers help move it through the Legislature, and the executive branch implements it after passage.
That is how policy moves from concept to law.
When the Machine Does Not Win, New Mexicans Do
The system is influential, but it is not unbeatable.
This year, Senate Bill 18, the Clear Horizons and Emissions Codification bill sponsored by Sen. Mimi Stewart, would have placed aggressive emissions goals into state law. Despite support from progressive lawmakers and advocacy organizations, the bill failed on the Senate floor.
Why?
Because New Mexicans spoke up.
Concerns about utility costs, energy reliability, jobs, and the impact on working families created enough opposition that the bill did not have the votes to pass.
That is an important lesson: organized citizens can still make a difference.
When New Mexicans become informed, engaged, and willing to speak out, they can stop bad policy and change the outcome.
Better Together
That is exactly why Better Together New Mexico exists.
The political machine may be organized, funded, and influential, but it is not unstoppable. We have seen time and again that when citizens get involved, they can make a tremendous impact.
New Mexico does not belong to political insiders, national advocacy networks, or special-interest organizations.
It belongs to the people who live here, work here, raise families here, and care about the future of our state.
Always remember: we are Better Together.
When we work as a unit, we can accomplish things that seem impossible at the outset.
Watch Episode 3
Watch Episode 3 of our Emerge series
