Future Caucus Presents Bridge-Building Award to Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez, Sen. Murkowski, Young State Lawmakers

WASHINGTON — Today, Future Caucus will hold its eighth annual Rising Star Awards in Washington, D.C., honoring members of Congress as well as Gen Z and millennial state lawmakers who embody the organization’s mission: to transcend political polarization by advancing bipartisan policies that address critical issues for their constituents and the nation.

“The leaders we honor tonight are demonstrating what’s possible when governing is rooted in collaboration, empathy, and practical solutions,” said Future Caucus president and CEO Layla Zaidane. “From delivering results in local communities to bridging divides at the national level, these awardees are proof that principled leadership can—and must—be the path forward for our democracy.”

Future Caucus will present the Jacob K. Javits Prize for Bipartisan Leadership to two members of Congress—Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, and Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, D-Wash.—as champions of effective, collaborative governance that centers the needs of constituents. This is Future Caucus’ first year presenting the Javits Prize; it was previously administered by Results for America.

“I’m honored to receive the Jacob K. Javits Prize for Bipartisan Leadership,” Sen. Murkowski said. “Good governance comes from working across the aisle, building consensus, and putting that into action—a commitment I will continue to champion for Alaskans and Americans.”

“It shouldn’t take guts to agree with colleagues in a different political party,” said Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez. “Curiosity and humility are profoundly undervalued in politics today – humility in our loyalty to serve and represent the values of our community, and curiosity to understand how we got where we are and imagine how we can get where we want to go.”

The eighth annual Rising Star Award will go to two young leaders in Future Caucus’ nationwide network: state Sen. Alexis Calatayud, R-Fla., and state Rep. Imani Barnes, D-Ga., in recognition of their leadership in advancing bipartisan legislation that delivers meaningful benefits to constituents.

“Public service is about finding common ground and focusing on what truly matters to people’s lives,” said Sen. Calatayud. “I’m honored to receive this award from Future Caucus and look forward to continuing the work ahead.”

“As I prepare to graduate with my Doctor of Public Health, my commitment as a scientist and public health advocate remains focused on evidence-based solutions that strengthen communities,” said Rep. Barnes. “The Rising Star Award from Future Caucus honors not just my work but the potential of young leaders to bring meaningful, bipartisan solutions to communities across Georgia.”

State Sen. Löki Tobin, D-Alaska, and state Rep. Justin Ruffridge, R-Alaska, will receive the Cherisse Eatmon Collective Impact Award for their bipartisan collaboration to strengthen public education in Alaska, including successfully overriding two gubernatorial vetoes to secure critical school funding.

“Meaningful change that benefits all Alaskans stems from collaboration and deep listening to everyone in our community,” said Sen. Tobin. “Receiving this award alongside Rep. Ruffridge underscores the power of bipartisanship to deliver results for Alaska.

Rep. Ruffridge stated: “It is truly an honor to be recognized with the Cherisse Eatmon Collective Impact Award. This award recognizes it takes colleagues working together to identify compromise solutions on education funding and policy reforms that benefit Alaskan children.”

To request interviews with awardees or Layla Zaidane, please contact [email protected].

To learn more about the honorees and awards, click here.

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Future Caucus is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that empowers young elected officials in Congress and state legislatures to bridge the partisan divide and lead a new era of collaborative governance. By supporting innovative policymaking and fostering collaboration, we help Gen Z and millennial leaders drive positive change and promote a political culture rooted in empathy and solutions. To learn more, visit www.futurecaucus.org.