January 24, 2025

This month, New Leaders Council alumni from across the country are taking elected office, whether beginning their first terms or continuing their service through re-election.

After graduating from the NLC Institute, Fellows are equipped to choose their own paths to drive progress in their communities—and for some, that journey leads to running for office.

We are thrilled to welcome another alum to federal office: Congresswoman Sarah Elfreth (Maryland ’16), representing Maryland’s 30th District. She joins two distinguished alumni who successfully won re-election to Congress: Congresswoman Lauren Underwood (NLC Washington DC ’14), representing Illinois’ 14th District, and Congresswoman Nikema Williams (NLC Atlanta ’13), representing Georgia’s 5th District.

This election cycle, nine alumni secured new elected seats*, primarily in state and local offices, while over 30 alumni were re-elected to roles at the local, state, and federal levels.

In times of uncertainty, these victories reaffirm that change is possible. They remind us that we are the ones we’ve been waiting for.

Did we miss an NLC alumni who won their race? Whether it’s for local school board, state office, or a federal seat, we want to honor every alumni who ran in 2024. Send us a message: [email protected].

To every NLC alum who ran this election cycle: thank you. Win or lose, your decision to step into the arena and fight for your community is a testament to your courage and commitment to progress. Your dedication inspires us all to keep striving for a brighter, more equitable future. You embody what it means to be a leader for change.

But the work doesn’t stop here.

Movements for social and political change extend far beyond Election Day. At NLC, we understand that progress isn’t achieved by a single leader but through a powerful network of local changemakers working together to create lasting impact. That’s why our six-month, no-cost training equips Fellows with the tools, strategies, and resilience needed to drive progress and lead with purpose.

The next generation of NLC leaders—our 2025 Fellows—are stepping forward with bold visions for their communities. They’re preparing to take on challenges, disrupt harmful systems, and lead with intention. These are the leaders who will shape the elections of tomorrow, and with the training and support of the NLC network, they’ll be ready to win.

Together, we are building a movement that lasts—not just for one election, but for generations to come.