‘Emerge’ touts Stansbury as example of building ‘firewall against MAGA’

Emerge, a fringe “progressive” organization that aims to train and promote Democrat women for elected office, is rallying support following the 2024 election cycle, spotlighting leaders such as far-left Representative Melanie Stansbury of New Mexico’s First Congressional District. In a recent fundraising appeal, the group highlighted its commitment to building what it describes as a “firewall against MAGA Republicans in 2025 and beyond,” with Stansbury and other Emerge alumni taking center stage in this effort.

Stansbury, who has been part of the Emerge network since her entry into politics, exemplifies the organization’s goals of elevating far-left women to positions of influence at all levels of government. As a member of the Emerge Congressional Caucus, Stansbury and 12 other Emerge-trained lawmakers are positioned to play a key role in shaping national debates on a range of issues, from abortion up to birth to socialist government programs like “Medicare for All” and the Green New Deal.

“Emerge alums are on the frontlines of Congress and state and local governments, ready to act as a firewall to protect our most critical freedoms,” the fundraising email stated, emphasizing the group’s focus on attacking the conservative agenda. 

The dark money organization (that is, a group that does not disclose its donor or sources of funding to the IRS or any public entity), which traces its origins to Vice President Kamala Harris’s early political campaigns, has steadily expanded its influence, with more than 550 alumni running for office in the recent election cycle. To date, approximately 70% of those candidates have won their races, strengthening Emerge’s footprint across legislative bodies and community boards, according to the email.

The fundraising ask also underscored Emerge’s mission to recruit and train the next generation of far-left Democrat women, positioning itself as a critical player in the ongoing struggle over key issues. “Progress is not always easy, but at Emerge, we know what it takes: training to win,” the communication reads, emphasizing the group’s dedication to equipping these radicals with the cash needed to win elections and drive far-left policies on all levels.

As Emerge continues to expand its network, especially in New Mexico, which has a slew of graduates, the group’s focus on cultivating leaders in the vein of Stansbury is expected to shape policy and counter Republican influence, of which Republicans must be alert and grow their own recruitment arm — and fast. With their sights set on the battles of 2025 and beyond, Emerge alums aim to solidify their presence as a formidable force in American politics and keep New Mexico Democrat-controlled for years to come.