Our Mission
To increase the number of Democratic women leaders from diverse backgrounds in public office through recruitment, training, and providing a powerful network.
Who We Are
Emerge Maryland is changing the face of politics by recruiting, training and providing a powerful network for Democratic women who want to run for office.
We offer the only in-depth, 75-hour, training program that provides aspiring female leaders with cutting-edge tools and training to run for elected office and elevate themselves in our political system.
Our program’s trainers are comprised of an elite team of campaign consultants, advisors and staff from all over the country, who have been involved in some of the most successful campaigns and initiatives seen in recent election cycles. Participants learn from these experts and develop practical knowledge in areas such as public speaking, fundraising, campaign strategy, voter contact, media and messaging and others. Candidates also meet an array of dynamic women who hold elected and appointed offices and become a part of a supportive network, which includes a national association of Emerge alumnae.
When we started Emerge Maryland 10 years ago we had been on a trajectory of losing women in elected office, they were retiring out of the statehouse at an alarming rate with no one to take their place. We rolled up our sleeves and began generating excitement around the state and training as many women we could find to run for office.
Our first class graduated in 2013.
In 2014 we saw 23 alumnae on ballots in Maryland.
In 2018 we saw 46 alumnae on ballots in Maryland including 5 incumbents.
In 2022 we will see about 65 alumnae running for seats across the state, with most running for MGA seats- and 21 incumbents – and with some seeking higher office.
