futurecaucus.org [futurecaucus.org]
Dear John,
The calendar may say recess — but young lawmakers aren't pressing pause.
This summer, we’ve seen what happens when elected leaders start building for the long haul. From shaping national conversations on AI [[link removed]] to leading the distraction-free schools movement [[link removed]] , the youngest generations in public office are putting in the kind of work that doesn’t always make the news — but always moves the needle.
They’re not in it for the cameras or the credit. They’re here to solve problems, build coalitions, and leave our country better than they found it.
In this month’s newsletter, we’re taking you behind the scenes — into the rooms, relationships, and ripple effects that define what true leadership looks like.
Future Summit Proves That a Better Way is Possible
What happens when you connect the most promising, effective leaders of a generation? Future Summit 2025.
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Watch our recap video. [[link removed]]
At this year's summit, young leaders didn’t just talk about the future of American politics — they stepped into it. They debated the impact of AI, explored the legacy of the nation’s founding, and asked the hard questions: What does it mean to lead with conviction? What does it take to govern with humility?
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Over four powerful days, lawmakers forged cross-partisan partnerships, challenged old assumptions, and imagined what’s possible when collaboration becomes the norm — not the exception.
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That spirit was on full display when Rep. Mary-Katherine Stone (D-VT) and Rep. Beau Baird (R-IN), co-chairs of their state Future Caucus chapters, joined NBC’s Meet the Press NOW to share how young leaders are shaping a more effective, forward-looking politics and why building bridges across the aisle isn’t just possible, it’s essential.
Layla Zaidane and Future Caucus Named a McNulty Prize Winner
We’re honored that in July, our leader Layla Zaidane and Future Caucus, were named one of this year’s McNulty Prize winners by the John P. and Anne Welsh McNulty Foundation, in partnership with the Aspen Institute!
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Watch our featured video and learn more. [[link removed]]
The McNulty Prize honors leaders tackling the world’s most urgent challenges through bold, values-driven action. Layla’s selection recognizes the work of the entire Future Caucus community: young lawmakers across the country who are advancing a new era of collaborative governance — one rooted in empathy, pragmatism, and cross-partisan leadership.
After Minnesota shootings, young lawmakers ask: Is politics worth it?
Death threats. Racial slurs. White powder in the mail. Floor plans of their apartments posted online. Events canceled. Routes changed. Therapy. Medication. Security.
These are not the headlines of a distant conflict. This is what it's like to be a public servant in America in 2025. [[link removed]]
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Anna Liss-Roy of The Washington Post spoke with nine state lawmakers at Future Summit, Republicans and Democrats alike, about the toll public service takes in an era where threats, harassment, and violence have become disturbingly routine.
Despite the threats, these leaders continue to show up. They serve. They lead. But their stories make one thing clear: if we don’t act to protect the next generation of public servants — we risk losing them.
This is a powerful, must read. [[link removed]]
Honoring Effective Young Lawmakers
It must be award season! In addition to being named McNulty Prize winners, we've officially opened nominations for the 2025 Rising Star Awards [[link removed]] — now featuring an exciting addition.
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Future Caucus is proud to become the new home of the Jacob K. Javits Prize for Bipartisan Leadership. This prestigious award, previously run by Results for America, honors members of Congress who embody Sen. Javits' legacy of principled, bipartisan leadership. It will now be presented annually at our Rising Star Awards, thanks to the trust of the Javits Foundation.
Learn more on the Javits Prize and Sen. Jacob Javits' Legacy [[link removed]]
Join us November 18th in D.C. for our 8th annual ceremony, celebrating young lawmakers who reject the status quo and reimagine what politics can be. Nominate a lawmaker today! [[link removed]]
Making Women's Voices Heard
Last year, we launched the 19th Collective — our community for women lawmakers. Now, w e're proud to announce our second cohort — a cross-partisan group of ten young women lawmakers who are leading with integrity, lifting each other up, and opening doors for the next generation.
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The 19th Collective community came together in Tucson, Arizona last weekend for a retreat facilitated by Sonja Bomhoff — a life and career coach.
The retreat was an opportunity for members to connect and ground themselves as they seek to grow, build trust, and strengthen their resilience as a community of women in public leadership.
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Who's Shaping the Policy on AI?
While Congress debated the role of states in shaping AI regulation this summer, young lawmakers reminded us why their voices — and their states — are essential to building thoughtful, future-ready policy.
That’s why we announced the launch of the National Task Force on State AI Policy, a cross-partisan coalition of Gen Z and millennial lawmakers committed to shaping smart, ethical AI policy at the state level. The task force will be co-chaired by Rep. Monique Priestley (D-VT) and Rep. Doug Fiefia (R-UT).
Applications are now open to Gen Z and millennial state lawmakers across the country. [[link removed]]
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Conference Season
This summer, the Future Caucus team has been hitting the road — joining conversations across the country to spotlight the work of young lawmakers and bring our cross-partisan mission to new audiences.
Our team has attended conferences such as the Women's Public Leadership Network (WPLN) Summit, WelcomeFest, Women in Government Legislative Conference, the R Street Institute's Real Solutions Summit, American Leadership Exchange Council (ALEC), and the Republican State Leadership Conference.
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We believe it’s essential to have an active presence at events across the political spectrum — connecting with leaders who share our commitment to practical solutions, even when they come from different ideological perspectives. These conversations help us bring the best ideas back to our work with young lawmakers and ensure we’re building bridges where they’re needed most.
Join us for Happy Hour at NCSL!
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Next up, you can catch the Membership Team at the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) in Boston! To celebrate the start of the conference, we’ll be hosting an evening reception with the Massachusetts Future Caucus on Monday, August 4th at 9:00 p.m. at Tia’s Waterfront. Come join us for the chance to build community over refreshments with your fellow state legislators!
"As Seen on Social Media"
Representative Tarik Khan’s (D-PA) bipartisan food donation bill passed both the House and the Senate unanimously this July and has been signed into law by Governor Shapiro. Rep. Khan shared a powerful video [[link removed]] on social media about the bill and its passing. Make sure to watch this impact in action!
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Check out this Instagram Reel [[link removed]] from Rep. Angel Roeser (R-KS) about her experience at this year's Future Summit!
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Must Reads
— The Chesapeake Bay isn’t just a scenic backdrop — it’s a lifeline and economic hub for over 18 million people (and countless crabs). From the shore, lawmakers like Rep. Mike Smith (R-DE) and Del. Stuart Schmidt (R-MD) [[link removed]] are working to keep it that way as the vital watershed's health has been in decline.
— At the height of the pandemic, cross-partisan collaboration in Congress felt nearly impossible. U.S. Representative Blake Moore (R-UT) [[link removed]] proved otherwise in his freshman term, passing legislation by doing what many wouldn’t: reaching across the aisle, building real relationships, and with respect and curiosity.
— In Kentucky, state lawmakers hosted a bipartisan roundtable [[link removed]] with parents, advocates, and community leaders to spotlight the states’ diaper needs and explore solutions to reduce the financial burden on families.
— On July 4th, the next generation delivered a bold message to the country. Teen Vogue published an open letter from Gen Z [[link removed]] — a call to action in the lead-up to America’s 250th birthday. Written by and for young people, and co-signed by organizations across sectors, the Youth250 letter urges leaders to share power, elevate youth voices, and co-create what comes next.
Read the Young Lawmakers' Storybank [[link removed]]
We can't do this work without you. Support young lawmakers in their efforts to bridge the partisan divide and donate today! [[link removed]]
Donate [[link removed]]
Contact Us
[email protected]
Future Caucus
1701 Rhode Island Ave NW
Washington, DC 20036
United States
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