Future Caucus had a big year in 2025—take a look back at some of the highlights!

What is The Future Caucus Effect?

New research from the Center for Effective Lawmaking (CEL) found that members of state Future Caucuses are 24% more effective than comparable lawmakers in states without a Future Caucus.

Researchers at the Center for Effective Lawmaking analyzed nearly 300 Future Caucus members across their full legislative careers, using CEL’s nationally recognized Legislative Effectiveness Scores, which measure how successful lawmakers are at advancing bills through the legislative process. The analysis compared Future Caucus members to other legislators in the same states, controlling for seniority and leadership positions.

The findings are clear: lawmakers who are members of a state Future Caucus are 24% more effective than their peers. For context, moving from the minority party to the majority party is associated with about a 40% increase in effectiveness— meaning the Future Caucus effect is roughly half as powerful as a major partisan advantage.

Importantly, this impact is not explained by Future Caucus members being unusually strong lawmakers to begin with. Before a Future Caucus chapter existed in their state, these same legislators were no more effective than the average lawmaker. Their effectiveness increased only after a Future Caucus was established.

In short, the data show that Future Caucus is the difference-maker. By creating structured, cross-partisan communities for young legislators, Future Caucus helps them overcome institutional barriers and become significantly more effective at governing.

Our Impact Over the Years