Kimberly Pope Adams was an auditor working in Virginia when she got a call from a Democratic state Senator who had heard Adams was interested in running for office.

Sen. Danica Roem encouraged Adams to attend a six-month training program with the state’s chapter of Emerge, a national group focusing on preparing Democratic women to run for office. Adams said the training was detailed, covering campaign finance, communications, media and overall strategy.

“It just made us all better women, better candidates after going through it,” she said of her cohort. “I learned such granular information.”

Adams lost that first election by just 53 votes following a recount. She’s seeking the competitive seat again this November.

“Intentionality has paid off for Democratic women candidates,” said De

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