hall of fame: rising star awardees
Each year, Future Caucus recognizes young state legislators—one Democratic, one Republican—for political bridge-building and future-focused leadership during our annual Rising Star Awards.
About the Rising Star Award
The Rising Star Award recognizes an individual Gen Z or millennial state legislator whose cross-partisan collaboration has led to measurable impact on a state-level challenge, whether through policy, public engagement, or civic renewal.
It is awarded annually to one Democratic state legislator and one Republican state legislator.
Recent HonoreesRECENT HONOREES
Representative Justis Gibbs, D-Miss.
Mississippi state Rep. Justis Gibbs, D-Jackson, will receive the Democratic Rising Star Award for his leadership on critical challenges facing his constituents. Gibbs, the youngest African American member of the Mississippi Legislature, worked across the aisle to pass legislation protecting incarcerated workers from hazardous chemical exposure, the only corrections-related bill to become law in his state during the 2026 session.
Representative Dawson Holle, R-N.D.
North Dakota state Rep. Dawson Holle, R-Mandan, will receive the Rising Star Award for his leadership on critical challenges facing his constituents. Holle, the youngest-ever chairman of North Dakota’s Missing Indigenous People Task Force, has worked directly with tribal communities and helped keep a rural hospital and nursing home in his district open.
2025 HONOREES
Representative Dr. Imani Barnes, D-Ga.
As a biomedical research scientist and public health advocate, Representative Dr. Imani Barnes brings a rare blend of scientific expertise and lived experience to policymaking. From advocating for universal school meal access, securing $6.3 million to fund more than 17 million meals annually, to championing mental health and maternal care, her leadership shows that data, compassion, and collaboration can drive meaningful change.
Senator Alexis Calatayud, R-Fla.
A tireless advocate for opportunity and access, Senator Alexis Calatayud has championed affordable housing, expanded services for individuals with disabilities, and strengthened early education across Florida. Working closely with Democratic Representative Kevin Chambliss, whose district overlaps with hers, she has built bridges across chambers and parties to move her state forward.
2024 HONOREES
Assemblymember Alex Bores, D-N.Y.
Asm. Bores, who was elected in 2022 to represent Assembly District 73 in Manhattan, has focused on modernizing government services, tackling ethical challenges posed by generative artificial intelligence, and improving outcomes in the justice system for New Yorkers whose trials were long-delayed by a lack of available judges.
Senator Tory Blew, R-Kan.
Rep. Blew, who filed for candidacy during her senior year of college and was elected at age 23, has represented Kansas’ 112th State House District since 2017. Reflecting on the importance of governing with humanity and curiosity, “I hope that you lead with your mind and your heart. I hope you work across the aisle with people you don’t always agree with. I can guarantee you, the outcome is always better.”
2023 HONOREES
Representative Dr. Jasmine Clark, D-Ga.
Georgia state lawmaker Representative Dr. Jasmine Clark—serving House District 108 in the Georgia State House of Representatives—was honored for her dedication to bringing her colleagues together, working across the aisle to tackle issues that matter to younger and future generations; improving k-12 education, and removing barriers to access for voters in general and primary elections.
Representative Mike Smith, R-Del.
Delaware state lawmaker Representative Michael F. Smith—serving the 22nd District in the Delaware House of Representatives—was honored for being a driving force behind Delaware’s Future Caucus, as well as his efforts to expand the state’s voter participation, and championing mental health initiatives in Delaware’s elementary and middle schools.
2022 HONOREES
Representative Jeremy Gray, D-Ala.
Alabama state lawmaker, Representative Jeremy Gray. Representative Jeremy Gray serves state house district 83 in Alabama. Through the Future Caucus, he has consistently demonstrated bipartisan leadership, working across the aisle alongside his young Republican counterparts to help pass impactful policy, including legislation that lifted the 28-year ban on yoga in Alabama’s K-12 schools.
Representative Aaron Pilkington, R-Ark.
Representative Aaron Pilkington, serves Arkansas’s 69th House District and co-chairs the Arkansas Future Caucus. Rep. Pilkington was nominated due to his outstanding record of bipartisanship through his work alongside his Democratic counterparts to pass future-oriented legislation in Arkansas.
2021 HONOREES
Senator Jamie Scott, D-Ark.
“I am honored to be chosen by the Millennial Action Project and I love that we share the same mission to find common ground with our adversaries,” Rep. Jamie Scott said. “In my service to the Arkansas legislature and as a young woman of color, I have led by example to build relationships across party and demographic aisles to wage inclusive efforts to pass meaningful legislation. I believe our generation needs to be the change we have been waiting on. Our generation owes a great debt to the ones that came before us. I cannot think of a better way to repay that obligation than by working across partisan and racial divides to solve the great challenges of the 21st century. It is time to reunite these great states of America.”
Representative Devin Carney, R-Conn.
“I’ve always placed tremendous effort in supporting good public policy, regardless of where it originates from, so I’m incredibly honored to receive the Rising Star Award from my peers at the Millennial Action Project for my work in promoting their mission of transcending political tribalism,” Rep. Carney said. “Despite the polarization that seems to be overplayed in the news, I firmly believe there is so much more that unites us politically than divides us, particularly among younger generations. I hope more young people get involved in public service; it’s amazing what you can accomplish when you put your name on a ballot or actively support a cause or organization. Thank you to MAP for all of their amazing work and for this distinguished recognition.”
2018-2020
PAST HONOREES
Representative Jeramey Anderson, D-Miss.
Representative David Brock Smith, R-Ore.
Representative Julie Fahey, D-Ore.
Representative Adam Neylon, R-Wis.
Representative Amanda Stuck, D-Wis.
Representative Caroline Simmons, D-Conn.
Representative Frank LaRose, R-Ohio
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