Future Forum Announces New Leadership Team for the 117th Congress

WASHINGTON – Future Forum, a generational caucus of young House Democrats, this week elected its new leaders for the 117th Congress. Members unanimously elected Rep. Darren Soto, D-Fla., as chair, and Reps. Colin Allred, D-Texas, and Haley Stevens D-Mich., as vice chairs. Rep. Stephanie Murphy, D-Fla., will serve as chair emeritus.

"Young Americans have proven that they have the power to make a difference," said incoming Future Forum Chair Rep. Soto "From record voter turnout in the 2020 election to ongoing protests against racial injustice, young people in our country are making their voices heard, and Congress is listening. I'm honored that my colleagues have chosen me to lead a group of vibrant young Members of Congress who will amplify the needs of millennials and Generation Z. Together, with a Democratic House Majority and a Biden-Harris Administration, we will work to engage our youth in the democratic process, now and for the future."

"Young people are so often at the forefront of the issues that are most important to our nation, and I am so proud to build upon my work with my colleagues in the Future Forum Caucus as Vice-Chair," said incoming Future Forum Vice Chair Rep. Allred. "This pandemic has made it clearer than ever that the American Dream is at risk of slipping away for too many young Americans. But we can change that, and the Future Forum Caucus has been a leader in the House on a number of issues important to young folks -- from ensuring everyone has an opportunity to get a good education and a good job, to lowering the cost of health care to tackling the climate crisis. I look forward to continuing that important work in the next Congress."

"It is an honor to be elected as a Vice Chair of Future Forum alongside my friend, Congressman Allred. With newly elected Chair Darren Soto, we will continue to represent younger Americans in the halls of Congress and push for progress on issues like student debt, gun violence, and climate change," said incoming Future Forum Vice Chair Rep. Stevens.

"As our nation continues to grapple with a health crisis and an economic crisis, Future Forum will keep playing an influential role in shaping policies that affect young Americans," said incoming Chair Emeritus Stephanie Murphy. "I am immensely proud of the work we have done over the past two years to prioritize issues important to millennial and Gen Z Americans, and I look forward to continuing that work with our new leadership team as Chair Emeritus."

Future Forum's incoming leadership team will focus on advancing racial equity, building an inclusive economy, fighting the climate crisis, improving educational opportunities, and reforming our nation's health care and immigration system. The organization's membership is expected to include approximately 40 members in the new Congress. In addition, the caucus will continue its tradition of including members from every Democratic ideological and identity caucus including the Blue Dog Coalition, New Democrat Coalition, Congressional Progressive Caucus, Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, Congressional Black Caucus, Congressional Hispanic Caucus, and Congressional LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus—making it a unique member-led organization on Capitol Hill.

Founded in 2015 by Rep. Eric Swalwell, D-Calif., Future Forum is an influential caucus of young Democratic Members of Congress who advocate for issues and opportunities important to younger Americans. Since its inception, Future Forum has visited more than 50 cities in an effort to engage with millennial and Gen Z Americans where they live, work, and go to school on issues such as college affordability, climate change, and employment opportunities.

For a photo of the election, click here.

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