Emma Jones

When we first got into this race we knew it was going to be an uphill battle. I didn’t decide to run until the day before the filing date. I knew we were going to have to move quickly, and get organized. I’m so proud to say we did that! I’m so grateful for all the volunteers, endorsers, donors, campaign team, friends and family, and people who didn’t hesitate to jump into action, or dig deep to donate. We really ran a completely grassroots campaign with support from small donations, and powered by a ton of volunteers, and that’s pretty amazing! I am so incredibly humbled by the tremendous amount of support and movement we built in so little time!

While we didn’t win in numbers, we won in hearts and minds, and movement that I have no doubt will continue to grow! We are ready for change at APS, and we will organize from the grassroots everyday until we get there!

I wanted to extend a thank you to both of my opponents for stepping up to run, and a congratulations and good luck to the new board member Crystal Tapia Romero.

Lastly I want to say Democracy doesn’t end on Election Day! The work is truly everyday in between as we organize and fight for something more for our family and community! I for one, will keep organizing, and keep fighting! This is just the beginning! Adelante!

It’s Election Day! Coincidentally it’s also the second day of Dia De Los Mu***os. Today as I walk to the polls to vote for myself, something I never thought I would do, I walk with my ancestors and loved ones who have passed on. People who uplifted and encouraged my educational journey, and path to running for office. I honor them, their lives, and the profound impact they have had on me, my family, and the community. I’d like to lift them up here, in somewhat of a virtual altar, as I feel like they would be really proud of me, and would be walking with me to the polls today.

My grandma Vicenta Sandoval, the lifeblood and matriarch of the Sandoval familia. She raised 10 kiddos, who mostly all went to APS schools.

My great-grandma Emma Garcia, my namesake, who was blind, survived breast cancer, and lived to be 92. I get my resiliency from my grandmothers, no doubt.

My Prima Candy Pena, who passed unexpectedly this year due to COVID, but who worked for APS as a bus driver for years.

My primo Roman Ray Montano who passed away less than a year ago to cancer, who worked for juvenile detention and wanted to reduce racial and ethical disparities in juvenile detention, for APS to move to restorative justice, and to close the school to prison pipeline.

My dear friend Omega-John Gómez who I met at Albuquerque High, who always had a place for me to crash when I was homeless, who told me constantly that I was going to run for office one day. You were right, you always were right!

My former intern Donaldo Yañez who lost his life too young to gun violence, who struggled at APS, and who deserved so so much better.

We stand on the shoulder of giants, may they walk with us as we vote today.

Thank you to everyone who has shown up to support my candidacy and our grassroots campaign! I can’t believe it’s almost Election Day!

We’ve put in a lot of work and the fight is not over yet. We are showing that organized power can rival big money! The race could be close, and every last vote will matter! Early Voting has ended and Election Day is this Tuesday, Nov. 2nd. There’s a big chance we can win this 🗳 Momentum is building for our grassroots campaign! We’ve been hearing lots of support at the doors and on the phones.

Help us knock on hundreds of doors, drop literature at supporters' homes, call or text voters, or find other ways to support by spreading the word and donating.

Reach out to our campaign and check out: www.Emma4aps.com