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Future Forum Elects Rep. Bynum as New Member Co-Chair, Holds First Meeting of the 119th Congress

January 23, 2025

Washington, D.C. –  Today, the Future Forum Caucus, a generational caucus of young House Democrats, elected its New Member Co-Chair for the 119th Congress, completing its full leadership slate for the 119th Congress. Late last year, members elected Rep. Brittany Pettersen (CO-07), as Co-Chair of Administration and Membership, Rep. Gabe Amo (RI-01), as Co-Chair for Policy, and Rep. Morgan McGarvey (KY-03), as Co-Chair for Communications. Today, Members unanimously elected Rep. Janelle Bynum (OR-05), as New Member Co-Chair. 

"I have always been focused on ensuring our young people can thrive, including by addressing the high cost of living, rent, and health care and by ensuring that we're connecting talent to opportunity," said Rep. Janelle Bynum. "One of the main reasons I first ran for office was because I saw my kids unable to access the opportunities they deserved. I am honored to be elected as the New Member Co-Chair for Future Forum and I look forward to working with my colleagues in the caucus to deliver for the next generation."

The Future Forum also welcomed 14 new members and one returning member back to the Caucus, bringing its total membership to 53.  In addition to electing its final Co-Chair, the membership used this meeting to engage in a discussion about the Future Forum’s plans and direction for the 119th Congress. 

“It’s an honor to have Congresswoman Bynum join the leadership team of the Future Forum Caucus,” said Rep. Brittany Pettersen. “Congress needs leaders who understand the struggles that young Americans face today, not a memory of what it was like decades ago. I look forward to working with Congresswoman Bynum and all members of the caucus to find solutions to some of the most pressing issues – from the rising costs of housing to crippling student loan debt and more.” 

“I’m thrilled to welcome Congresswoman Janelle Bynum as our Future Forum Caucus Co-Chair for New Members in the 119th Congress,” said Rep. Gabe Amo. “In the policy fights to come, we will continue to advocate for community values, deliver effective services to our fellow caucus members, and make sure that young Americans have a voice in Congress and a seat at the table where decisions are made.”

“We are honored to welcome Congresswoman Bynum to the leadership team of the Future Forum Caucus. The stakes have never been higher for young Americans and I look forward to working with our new and returning members on common sense solutions to some of the most important issues facing young people, from parental leave to addressing the rising cost of rent and health care,” said Rep. Morgan McGarvey. “As Co-Chair for Communications, I am also excited to spearhead our work finding new and innovative ways to communicate and engage with the next generation.”

About Future Forum:

Established in 2015, Future Forum is a generational caucus. In the 119th Congress, the Caucus is comprised of 53 members from a diverse cross-section of the Democratic Caucus who are 50 years and younger. Future Forum represents the next generation of leaders in Congress and includes members of all ideological and identity caucuses in the House, members of the Democratic leadership, and the first Gen Z Member of Congress.

Mission:

Future Forum is dedicated to amplifying the voices of younger Americans on the issues that matter most to the next generation while inspiring future leaders to engage in public service. Throughout the 119th Congress, Future Forum’s leadership will collaborate with a diverse range of stakeholders and advocates—both on and off Capitol Hill—to advance a forward-thinking policy agenda. Key priorities include addressing gun violence, combating climate change, tackling student loan debt, and lowering the cost of health care. Since its inception, Future Forum has engaged with Millennial and Gen Z Americans in over 50 cities where they live, work, and learn—and this is just the beginning.

Leadership Structure:

Future Forum operates under an equal four co-chair model, enabling its leaders to leverage their unique strengths to expand the organization’s mission and reach while working collaboratively toward shared goals.

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