Future Forum Elects New Leadership Team for the 117th Congress

WASHINGTON – Future Forum, a caucus of younger House Democrats, has elected its new leaders for the 117th Congress.

The mission of the caucus, which was founded in 2015, is to address issues important to millennial and Generation Z Americans, such as college affordability, entrepreneurship, job opportunities and climate change.

On Wednesday, its members voted unanimously to elect Rep. Darren Soto, D-Fla., their next chair, and Reps. Colin Allred, D-Texas, and Haley Stevens D-Mich., their next vice chairs.

After the vote, Rep. Stephanie Murphy, D-Fla., the outgoing chair who’ll now serve as chair emeritus, said, “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.

“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,” she added.

Future Forum’s incoming leadership team said Wednesday that they will focus on advancing racial equity, building an inclusive economy, fighting the climate crisis, improving educational opportunities, and reforming the nation’s health care and immigration system.

The organization’s membership is expected to include approximately 40 members in the new Congress.

“Young Americans have proven that they have the power to make a difference,” said 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. … 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.”

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 Equality Caucus—making it a unique member-led organization on Capitol Hill.

“Young people are so often at the forefront of the issues that are most important to our nation,” incoming Vice Chair Rep. Allred said. 

“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,” he said.

Future Forum was founded by Rep. Eric Swalwell, D-Calif. 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 the past five years, Future Forum has elevated the voices, dreams, and aspirations of younger Americans. With members from every corner of the Democratic Caucus, it truly represents the future of our country,” House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, D-Md. said.

“I join in thanking Rep  Stephanie Murphy for her leadership of the Future Forum this Congress and congratulate Rep. Darren Soto on being unanimously chosen to succeed her as chair, along with Reps. Colin Allred and Haley Stevens as Vice Chairs,” Hoyer continued. “I look forward to continuing to work closely with them and all the members of Future Forum to achieve its goals of a more inclusive economy, a healthier planet, a more equal justice system, and better opportunities for more affordable education and health care. With their help, the House will remain focused on those who deserve to inherit a stronger and more just America and a more sustainable planet.”