2023 Rising Star Nominations List
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RISING STAR<br />
AWARDS<br />
<strong>2023</strong><br />
<strong>Nominations</strong> <strong>List</strong>
Introduction<br />
<strong>2023</strong> <strong>Rising</strong> <strong>Star</strong> <strong>Nominations</strong><br />
The <strong>Rising</strong> <strong>Star</strong> Award highlights young leaders—one Republican and one<br />
Democrat—and their contributions to the SFCN over the last year. It aims to<br />
recognize SFCN members who embody MAP’s mission of transcending political<br />
tribalism.<br />
MAP will also present the Cherisse Eatmon Collective Impact Award to an<br />
outstanding Future Caucus for their exemplary leadership and political bridgebuilding.<br />
These awards honor leaders who take initiative in shepherding post-partisan<br />
legislation that addresses priority issues in today’s political climate. Awardees are<br />
selected based on their active engagement with MAP and their efforts in<br />
identifying opportunities to promote political collaboration in their state.<br />
Awardees must be able to accept the award in person in Washington, DC in<br />
December.<br />
Nominee criteria include:<br />
A Commitment to MAP – Nominee has demonstrated a commitment to<br />
working with MAP through participation in MAP events, local Future Caucus<br />
meetings and events, and engagement with our digital content and message.<br />
Bipartisan Leadership Ability – Nominee has personified millennial leadership<br />
by shepherding bipartisan legislation, convening diverse stakeholders to create<br />
consensus or conversation, and/or working to identify opportunities to<br />
promote cooperation within their legislature.<br />
Measurable Outcome – Nominee has worked to “move the needle” in their<br />
states around policy issues that disproportionately affect younger generations,<br />
as demonstrated through legislative momentum, engagement on state task<br />
forces, legislative committees, or other related activity.<br />
Embodiment of the MAP Ethos – Nominee has embodied MAP values as<br />
Leaders, Teammates, and Explorers who: listen first, say “we,” build trust,<br />
empower others, break barriers, and innovate freely.<br />
01
2022 Awardees<br />
2022 Awardees<br />
Cherisse Eatmon Collective Impact Award:<br />
Oklahoma Future Caucus<br />
Since their establishment in September 2020, the Oklahoma Future Caucus has<br />
demonstrated their commitment to the Millennial Action Project's mission of<br />
bridging the bipartisan divide by implementing regular activities for legislators<br />
such as retreats and book club meetings. The caucus is consistently active on<br />
social media, they had the largest caucus representation at the 2022 Future<br />
Summit, and the co-chairs recently authored an op-ed on Ida'a Law.<br />
<strong>Rising</strong> <strong>Star</strong> Awardees<br />
Rep. Aaron Pilkington (R-AR)<br />
Rep. Jeremy Gray (D-AL)<br />
02
Future Caucuses<br />
<strong>2023</strong> Cherisse Eatmon Collective<br />
Impact Award Nominees<br />
Arkansas Future Caucus<br />
“...During the past three years that I have been involved with MAP, I have enjoyed<br />
working together with my colleagues in the Arkansas legislature. Without a doubt,<br />
they are highly motivated and incredibly diligent, as demonstrated by the fact that<br />
they passed 39 bipartisan bills this year. The Arkansas Future Caucus is a role<br />
model for the rest of the country. Reps. Jamie Scott and Aaron Pilkington have<br />
previously been selected for the <strong>Rising</strong> <strong>Star</strong> Award, which is an indication of how<br />
much leadership talent and potential there is in Arkansas. Moving forward, I<br />
anticipate that the Arkansas Future Caucus will continue to play an important<br />
role not only for MAP's continued success, but also for our country's ability to<br />
function as a democracy.” - OK Rep. Daniel Pae<br />
“The Arkansas Future Caucus passed 39 bipartisan bills in <strong>2023</strong>.” - Paige Ferguson<br />
“Rep. Jamie Scott and the Arkansas Future Caucus are *the* model for what a<br />
Future Caucus should look like: putting partisanship aside to find out what<br />
common ground exists, how you can work to better your state for all, and create<br />
strong friendships along the way. I admire the Arkansas Future Caucus' efforts to<br />
go out of their way to identify areas of shared interest, especially like Rep. Scott<br />
does, to achieve bipartisan solutions to issues the state is facing.” - Kansas<br />
Representative Brandon Woodard<br />
“Having passed 39 bipartisan pieces of legislation, being a key stop on the On the<br />
Rise Tour, and the increased presence of Gen Z legislatures in the state, Arkansas<br />
is deserving of the Cherisse Eatmon Collective Impact Award. Doug Thompson, a<br />
prominent reporter in the state, has written in the paper of record about the<br />
impressive quality of the culture change achieved in the statehouse by ARFC.” -<br />
Reed Howard<br />
03
Future Caucuses<br />
“After passing nearly 40 bills, it is my privilege to nominate the Arkansas Future<br />
Caucus for the Cherisse Eatmon Collective Impact award. Their work with each<br />
other and their bipartisan leadership ability are a model for other future caucuses<br />
around the country and I cannot wait to see what the future holds under the<br />
leadership of Reps. Scott and Pilkington, both of whom are former <strong>Rising</strong> <strong>Star</strong><br />
Award winners as well. What's more - the Arkansas Future Caucus has committed<br />
to being one of our pilot states for our forthcoming Healing <strong>Star</strong>ts Here leadership<br />
development curriculum.” - Brandon Mitchell<br />
“Under the leadership of Co-Chairs Rep. Aaron Pilkington (R) and Rep. Jamie Scott<br />
(D), the ARFC has hit it out of the park this year! MAP visited Arkansas as part of<br />
our On The Rise Tour earlier this year. Shortly after, the caucus hosted a press<br />
conference in June to announce that they had successfully passed 39 pieces of<br />
bipartisan, future-focused legislation, crediting the caucus for their success.<br />
Additionally, the ARFC signed on to pilot one of our leadership development<br />
programs. Young legislators in this state have stepped up in ways that weren't<br />
always in their best interest politically, and I strongly recommend the ARFC for<br />
this award.” - Rochelle Colburn<br />
Georgia Future Caucus<br />
“The Georgia Future Caucus has demonstrated their commitment to the Millennial<br />
Action Project's mission of bridging the bipartisan divide by being one of our more<br />
active caucuses. The caucus is consistently active on social media, its members<br />
regularly attend MAP's annual Future Summit, with an even stronger showing this<br />
year.” - Maloreigh Todd<br />
“Georgia FC was one of our most successful <strong>2023</strong> states, they are incredibly<br />
active and already a great example of bipartisan bill making.” - Miles Sisk<br />
04
Future Caucuses<br />
New York Future Caucus<br />
“The New York Future Caucus launched this year and has already hit the ground<br />
running. They hosted a kick off in-person meeting despite the crunch of session<br />
and gridlock on key issues. They have already hosted community events (in<br />
conjunction with YPO), attended Future Summit and other co-chair only strategy<br />
sessions, and have worked to ensure MAP as an organization is positioned to be<br />
as impactful as possible by making important introductions and 'thinking big.'” -<br />
Layla Zaidane<br />
“The first state to hire a dedicated staff member for Future Caucus, hosting an<br />
incredible event in conjunction with YPO, attending Future Summit, and engaging<br />
across other states in strategy conversations, New York defines 'collective impact'<br />
not just now but into the future.” - Brandon Mitchell<br />
“Alex founded the NY Future Caucus! He gathered support from across the aisle<br />
to finally start the caucus in New York. He also attended the MAP Future Summit<br />
and brought back lessons from other states that we are putting together to stand<br />
up our work. Alex's bipartisan work goes beyond MAP. He passed six bills through<br />
the full legislature this year, all with large bipartisan majorities and most with cosponsorships<br />
from both sides of the aisle. For example, a bill of his which<br />
protects employees' property rights to their own inventions was signed by the<br />
Governor today and cosponsored by both Democrats and Republicans. In fact,<br />
after Republicans in the Rules Committee voted against it, Alex as not content to<br />
ram the bill through, instead he engaged the Republicans on the bill and ended up<br />
convincing all but one person to vote for it on the floor. Alex is focused on<br />
bringing people together to solve problems for our generation(s) and for all New<br />
Yorkers.” - Grace Lee<br />
05
Future Caucuses<br />
Pennsylvania Future Caucus<br />
“Pennsylvania is demonstrating that there is an alternative path and that<br />
bipartisanship can create opportunities for collaboration. Legislators are excited<br />
and the community is very supportive of this work. Over 10 legislators attended<br />
meetings and nearly 30 community members came to the event. While a newer<br />
caucus the legislators are committed to the work and each other.” - Amaia Stecker<br />
Vermont Future Caucus<br />
“Vermont has only grown since its relaunch and it's truly because of the<br />
leadership of the co-chairs. Their work regarding legislator pay, bringing the state<br />
and its people through a historic flood, a recently penned Criminal Justice Reform<br />
letter, and one of the largest delegations at Future Summit.” - Blaine Volpe<br />
Conclusion of Cherisse Eatmon<br />
Collective Impact Award<br />
Nominees<br />
06
Democrats<br />
<strong>2023</strong> <strong>Rising</strong> <strong>Star</strong> Award<br />
Nominees<br />
Georgia Rep. Solomon Adesanya (D)<br />
“Solomon's relentless work for the community to see<br />
everyone, regardless of their background, thrive<br />
demonstrates what our country was founded on. Like<br />
many, he came from a background with few resources,<br />
but his passion for his community led him to seek<br />
elected office. He describes himself as big at heart,<br />
and big in perseverance.” - Brett Morrison<br />
Georgia Rep. Jasmine Clark (D) - Co-Chair<br />
“Rep. Clark is known for being a bold advocate in her<br />
state. She has served MAP well in her role as co-chair<br />
of MAP's Georgia Future Caucus, and in May, she spoke<br />
on a MAP-hosted panel at the One America Movement<br />
annual summit about how she works across the aisle<br />
to build relationships with her colleagues. In Most<br />
recently, she introduced GA HB2, which extends the<br />
period for mandatory advance voting and revises times<br />
for holding run off elections for general and primary<br />
elections, and she proposed an amendment to the<br />
state constitution with GA HR345, to provide for<br />
persons 17 years of age to be able to vote in Georgia<br />
elections.” - Rochelle Colburn<br />
07
Democrats<br />
New York Assem. Taylor Darling (D)<br />
“One of the standout qualities that makes<br />
Assemblywoman Darling a prime candidate for this<br />
award is her bipartisan leadership ability. She has<br />
embraced Gen Z and millennial leadership by<br />
championing bipartisan legislation, bringing diverse<br />
stakeholders to the table to foster consensus and<br />
dialogue, and actively seeking opportunities to promote<br />
cooperation within the legislative arena. Her approach<br />
embodies the essence of cross-party collaboration,<br />
which is essential for addressing the challenges our<br />
generation faces… Taylor Darling embodies the core<br />
values that MAP holds dear. She listens first,<br />
emphasizes 'we' over 'I,' builds trust, empowers others,<br />
breaks down barriers, and freely innovates. Her actions<br />
and leadership exemplify the MAP ethos, making her<br />
an outstanding choice for The <strong>Rising</strong> <strong>Star</strong> Award.” -<br />
Jhordyne Donaldson<br />
Michigan Rep. Alabas Farhat (D)<br />
“Michigan State Representative Alabas Farhat, just 23<br />
years old, serving his first term as a state<br />
representative, is the youngest legislator in the<br />
Michigan legislature and has showcased his ability to<br />
legislate effectively using principles of the MAP ethos,<br />
taken issues affecting the younger generation head-on,<br />
and reached across the aisle to solve critical issues<br />
affecting Michiganders… He has also shown he is<br />
willing to work across the aisle to improve<br />
relationships and ensure that the legislature can work<br />
as a more efficient body to solve problems in<br />
Michigan.” - Nabil Chamra<br />
08
Democrats<br />
Arizona Rep. Consuelo Hernandez (D)<br />
“Although a freshman legislator, Representative Consuelo<br />
Hernandez, has proven to be a leader for her legislative<br />
district and one who is filled with tenacity and conviction.<br />
Representative Hernandez represents southern Arizona,<br />
from Tucson to the US-Mexico border, with such pride.<br />
During her first legislative session she raised awareness to<br />
railroad safety and the lack of oversight to some of the<br />
tragic accidents that have been caused by excessively long<br />
trains. She was also a leading factor in ensuring that the<br />
Arizona state budget included an expansion to children's<br />
healthcare, an investment in community colleges, and $150<br />
million towards housing and homeless services. Working in<br />
a bipartisan fashion during tumultuous bipolarity in politics<br />
is something that Representative Hernandez has been able<br />
to maneuver, considering her a maverick in the Arizona<br />
State Legislature.”<br />
- Cesar Chavez<br />
Michigan Rep. Jason Hoskins (D)<br />
“State Representative Jason Hoskins is the first openly<br />
gay Black representative in Michigan history. In his first<br />
few months in office, Hoskins took the lead in<br />
expanding Michigan's Civil Rights Act to include<br />
protections for people based on sexual orientation and<br />
gender identity. For this he received statewide and<br />
national acclaim. Representative Hoskins is so well<br />
respected on both sides of the aisle that the vote for<br />
expanding the law received bipartisan support. He is<br />
currently working on economic development plans for<br />
Michigan while always ensuring his home state is a<br />
welcoming and inclusive place for all people.” -<br />
Michigan Representative Jasper Martus<br />
09
Democrats<br />
Vermont Rep. Emilie Krasnow (D)<br />
“Rep Krasnow is a new member of the Vermont<br />
General Assembly and has done a tremendous job<br />
bringing people together to get things done. She is a<br />
bridge builder, someone who listens to all sides and<br />
facilitates solutions without compromising the needs<br />
of her community. When asked about her work she<br />
said, 'Doing this legislative work with transparency and<br />
constituent connections means that once you’ve done<br />
all of the above, you can clearly explain your decisions<br />
to others. None of this means you lose your<br />
convictions or your own perspective, because that’s as<br />
valuable as the person who disagrees with you. It<br />
means you validate the experiences of all, recognizing<br />
that not everyone shares your own “lens”, and help to<br />
work together towards a common goal.' I'm proud to<br />
nominate Rep Krasnow for the <strong>Rising</strong> <strong>Star</strong> Award.” -<br />
Vermont Speaker of the House Jill Krowinski<br />
New Jersey Assem. William F. Moen Jr. (D) - Co-Chair<br />
“Assemblyman Moen truly epitomizes what it means to<br />
be a bipartisan leader. Through his short tenure in the<br />
NJ Legislature, he has worked with many members<br />
from across the aisle. He has worked with members in<br />
the minority, granting their requests to be prime<br />
sponsor on some of his bills and also accommodating<br />
amendment requests from their party to his bills. He<br />
has further demonstrated his commitment to being a<br />
bipartisan leader, but working together with MAP to<br />
develop a future caucus in the State of NJ that he is<br />
hoping to launch in the next month or two. Asm Moen<br />
has been a staunch advocate for younger generations<br />
during his time in the Assembly. He has introduced and<br />
passed numerous bills that are aimed at college debt,<br />
public student loan forgiveness, first time home buyers, and more. Being one of<br />
the youngest members in the Assembly he himself experiences these same issues<br />
firsthand, which is why he knows they are so important to many New Jerseyans.<br />
He embodies the MAP Ethos by being a true listener. He takes meetings weekly<br />
with constituents who reach out to his District Office, just to listen to their story,<br />
understand their problem(s) and see how he may be able to help.” - Kyle Hanson<br />
10
Democrats<br />
Massachusetts Rep. Tram Nguyen (D)<br />
“Tram is a third term legislator who is committed to<br />
increasing civic engagement, especially among young<br />
voters. She represents a purple district and has done<br />
incredible bipartisan work to pass bills that help low<br />
wage workers, immigrants, and other vulnerable<br />
communities. As the first Vietnamese American woman<br />
elected to office, Tram has broken barriers and<br />
continues to build trust to successfully represent her<br />
district. She continues to set an example to empower<br />
others to consider public service.” - Hawaii<br />
Representative Greggor Ilagan; Oklahoma<br />
Representative Daniel Pae<br />
Connecticut Rep. Corey Paris (D) - Co-Chair<br />
“Rep. Corey Paris' signature effort this year - which I<br />
was fortunate enough to work on - has managed to<br />
accomplish what our federal government could not: a<br />
bipartisan student debt reduction act. In working<br />
together on HB 6901: Ac Act Concerning a Student<br />
Loan Reimbursement Program throughout this<br />
legislative session, Corey astonished me with his ability<br />
to reach across generational divides, party affiliation,<br />
and racial roadblocks to achieve a truly bipartisan<br />
effort at helping Millennials and members of Gen Z get<br />
desperately needed relief from the onerous debt<br />
crushing their economic hopes. As a member of the<br />
Baby Boom generation who benefitted from a much<br />
smaller ratio of wages-to-debt, I am continually<br />
disheartened by my contemporaries' inability to see today's economics for what<br />
they are: an impossibly imbalanced formula that leaves our young people hanging.<br />
Corey managed, with grace, good humor and true insight, to reach folks whose<br />
own privilege (whether from age or social standing) blinded them to this inequity.<br />
His pilot program, which went through many iterations and hurdles, is a national<br />
leader in how states can provide relief to young people, while helping boost the<br />
economy and help attract and retain young workers to a rapidly aging state.<br />
11
Democrats<br />
Connecticut Rep. Corey Paris (cont’d.)<br />
Rep. Paris' tenacity in making sure all stakeholders were at the table, and his<br />
ability to message clearly the pilot program's objectives, meant that some of the<br />
more recalcitrant members of the House of Representatives came on board with<br />
an idea that nationally is floundering. His commitment to MAP's ideals was the<br />
rudder guiding him; his bipartisanship was an example to all of us; the $6 million<br />
appropriation and early application volume is a testament to the bill's success;<br />
and his insistence of sharing the credit - from caucus meetings to press<br />
statements - meant no voice was left out. Rep. Corey Paris' leadership has just<br />
begun to shine.” - Connecticut Representative Christine Palm<br />
“As a newly-elected state representative, Francisco E.<br />
Paulino has played a significant role in drafting crucial<br />
pieces of legislation. He hasn’t just collaborated with<br />
the newest members of the legislature, but also<br />
actively partnered with seasoned leadership. When<br />
Chapter 60 was ruled unconstitutional by the U.S.<br />
Supreme Court, Rep. Paulino stepped up to the<br />
challenge, redrafting the entire chapter. This initiative<br />
solidified his reputation and earned him significant<br />
respect from his peers.” - Massachusetts<br />
Representative Francisco E Paulino<br />
Massachusetts Rep. Francisco E. Paulino (D)<br />
Arkansas Rep. Jamie Scott (D) - Co-Chair<br />
“This nominee has been exemplary in consistently<br />
working to develop and move significant bills forward<br />
in a bipartisan manner.” - Pamela Goldsmith<br />
12
Democrats<br />
Vermont Sen. Becca White (D) - Co-Chair<br />
“Sen. White not only works tirelessly across the aisle,<br />
but she represents the VT Future Caucus so well. She<br />
always talks of their work and of their individual<br />
members. She encouraged a record number of VT<br />
lawmakers to attend FS this year, even though she<br />
couldn't. She's an incredible rep” - Blaine Volpe<br />
Kansas Rep. Brandon Woodard (D) - Co-Chair<br />
“Reps. Woodard, Blew, and our Kansas Future Caucus<br />
as a whole are one of our shining examples of<br />
bipartisanship. The relationship between the two cochairs<br />
is productive and fun. I particularly appreciate<br />
Rep. Woodard for thoroughly being who he is while<br />
representing the people of Kansas. He doesn't fake, he<br />
doesn't pretend to be anyone else, he is himself and<br />
works hard.” - Miles Sisk<br />
West Virginia Del. Kayla Young (D)<br />
“Del. Young has continued to participate in Future<br />
Caucus programming, despite not having a chapter in<br />
her state, and she has led the charge in creating a<br />
West Virginia Future Caucus.” - Maloreigh Todd<br />
13
Republicans<br />
Indiana Rep. Beau Baird (R) - Co-Chair<br />
“Representative Baird has only recently become aware<br />
of the Millennial Action Project. However, he was<br />
extremely excited to learn about MAP as his legislative<br />
goals and guiding principles were so closely aligned.<br />
More specifically, Representative Baird has dedicated a<br />
significant portion of his time to developing and<br />
activating the youth of his community…Moreover,<br />
Representative Baird has focused on bridging the<br />
partisan divide in several ways. First, his freshman year<br />
he worked hard to organize bipartisan social events to<br />
build strong relationships across the aisle. Secondly,<br />
almost every piece of legislation Representative Baird<br />
has passed has been with strong bipartisan support.<br />
Furthermore, after learning about MAP, Representative<br />
Baird has worked hard to re-initiate the Indiana Future Caucus with the combined<br />
effort of his democrat co chair. I believe representative Baird exemplifies the MAP<br />
ETHOS in many ways. However, probably the most recent example is his ability to<br />
lead a bipartisan effort on the house bill 242 in the <strong>2023</strong> Indiana session. He took<br />
a bill that was highly partisan and through hard work and dedication, was able to<br />
turn it into an almost unanimous Pardison supported piece of legislation.”-<br />
Congressman Jim Baird<br />
Kentucky Rep. Josh Bray (R)<br />
“Representative Josh Bray is committed to working<br />
across the aisle. He is a rising leader in his chamber<br />
and has been focused on moving forward policy issues<br />
that resonate and matter to MAP. In particular, he has<br />
focused on privacy, biometric data, AI, workforce<br />
development, and rural broadband. He is a shining star<br />
who deserves this honor!” - Kristin Strobel<br />
14
Republicans<br />
Pennsylvania Rep. Torren Ecker (R)<br />
“Torren has emerged as a leader in the state capital in<br />
Harrisburg. His willingness to foster bipartisan<br />
relationships, as well as his intellect and work ethic,<br />
have launched him to a respected position amongst<br />
House members on both sides of the aisle. He will<br />
continue to have an outstanding legislative career and<br />
the sky's the limit.” - PA Rep. Tim O'Neal<br />
New Mexico Rep. Joshua Hernandez (R)<br />
“As a Legislator, Joshua embodies the values of the<br />
Millennial Action Project. From day one his focus was to<br />
work across the aisle by focusing on building<br />
relationships and bringing the two sides of the aisle<br />
together to create change. Josh focuses on legislation<br />
that truly helps New Mexicans, not party rhetoric or the<br />
subject the news is covering this week. In his first<br />
session, Josh joined a bipartisan group of Legislators to<br />
reform the liquor license laws in New Mexico leading to<br />
over 300 new restaurants taking advantage of the<br />
licenses. Also, many retail establishments have taken<br />
part in alcohol delivery services across the state<br />
providing a new revenue source to businesses but<br />
making a measurable difference in DWI rates. This piece<br />
of legislation was the first alcohol-related legislation to pass the NM Legislature<br />
in 40 years.<br />
In his second session, Josh passed a bill to create a revolving loan fund for<br />
charter schools to be able to build and expand without taking money from their<br />
education funding. Although they did not pass, Josh also ran legislation to create<br />
an adult learner scholarship for residents up to the age of 35 who did not go to<br />
college to trade school, and to make angel tax credit refundable to encourage<br />
investments from outside of our state.<br />
15
Republicans<br />
New Mexico Rep. Joshua Hernandez (cont’d.)<br />
In the <strong>2023</strong> session, Josh passed 7 bills. These included creating an office of<br />
entrepreneurship to make opening a business in the state easier which was<br />
ultimately vetoed, a health professional loan repayment act to attract medical<br />
students recently graduating to move to New Mexico, and creating a marketing<br />
department for our state government. Throughout his first few years in the<br />
legislature, Josh's focus has been to create good, productive legislation in a<br />
bipartisan fashion to make his state better. He has been nicknamed 'The Uniter'<br />
by many on both sides of the aisle including the Former Speaker of the House. He<br />
will continue to work with anyone willing to work to grow New Mexico and make<br />
it better for our residents and the future.” - New Mexico Representative Joshua<br />
Hernandez<br />
“Rep. Hernandez joined the New Mexico state legislature in 2021 and has been<br />
making WAVES. In addition to passing bi-partisan legislation related to lowering<br />
healthcare costs and creating small business incentives, he's been actively trying<br />
to start a Future Caucus chapter in New Mexico. I had the pleasure to chat with<br />
him during the Future Summit this year and it was great to hear about all the<br />
work he and his class of legislators are doing. He's just getting started and he's<br />
already having a major impact. Imagine what he could do with a Future Caucus<br />
chapter!” - Bowden Saunders<br />
North Dakota Rep. Dawson Holle (R)<br />
“I truly think Rep. Holle would be perfect for this<br />
award. At a young age (18) he ran for the legislature. I<br />
had the chance to serve with him and watch him over<br />
his first session. He would seek democrats to cosponsor<br />
his bills, he would have conversations with<br />
democrats to try and see their point of view, and he<br />
would always be trying to build relationships with the<br />
democrats. This might not sound like a big deal but<br />
North Dakota is a super super majority and frankly (as<br />
bad as it sounds) we don’t need to be bipartisan to<br />
pass bills. But this didn’t matter to Rep. Holle, he likes<br />
people for people and not the label behind their name.<br />
He passed bills that have been tried before but always<br />
failed, these bills helped our dairy farmer industry in<br />
the state. This was huge. He is also willing to meet with lobbyists to hear their<br />
point of view. This shows his humbleness and willingness to learn, which we all<br />
need as a trait. I myself used to be the youngest legislator in North Dakota and I<br />
never had these abilities as he has. He is down to earth and I think he is a<br />
perfect candidate for this award.” - North Dakota Representative Claire Cory<br />
16
Republicans<br />
Maryland Del. Kevin B. Hornberger (R)<br />
“Delegate Kevin Hornberger has a reputation for being<br />
one of the most approachable minority-party<br />
Delegates in the Maryland House of Delegates.<br />
Delegate Hornberger has been successful in working on<br />
and passing a variety of legislative initiatives across<br />
party lines, ranging from trade licensing reform to<br />
EMS/First-responder issues. Delegate Hornberger has<br />
also staked out a firm stance on preserving local<br />
historical sites from over-development, including the<br />
Donaldson Brown Manor and most recently the Tome<br />
School/Snow Hill Archaeological site on the Bainbridge<br />
Property in Port Deposit, MD. Delegate Hornberger was<br />
recently re-elected to his third term in the Maryland<br />
House of Delegates, and currently serves as the<br />
Chairman of the State Legislative Caucus for SEMA. In addition to serving on the<br />
Ways & Means Committee, Del. Hornberger is Chair of the local County Delegation,<br />
and also serves as the House Republican Co-Chair of the Maryland Sportsman's<br />
Caucus.” - Daniel Smith<br />
Oklahoma Rep. Daniel Pae (R) - Co-Chair<br />
“I am specifically nominating Rep. Pae due to his<br />
leadership in authoring a bill to study the effects of<br />
shrooms to treat anxiety, depression, and PTSD, which<br />
passed the OK House on a bipartisan basis. I think this<br />
especially embodies points 3 and 4 of the nominee<br />
criteria. Prior to my role at MAP, I interned on the<br />
House Committee on Veterans' Affairs, and coming<br />
from San Diego, I know many veterans and active-duty<br />
military members. Many of those who I know who are<br />
my age suffer from PTSD. Thankfully, there is<br />
increased interest in being innovative in treatments,<br />
and this bill from Rep. Pae is forward-thinking and<br />
challenges the preconceptions of what Republicans<br />
may see as possible solutions. I'm glad that<br />
Oklahomans have someone like Rep. Pae who will put aside partisan nonsense<br />
and act in the best interest of constituents.” - Murphy Walsh<br />
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Republicans<br />
Illinois Rep. Kevin Schmidt (R)<br />
“Please reference Illinois Hb 2341, this is a shining<br />
example of Kevin's ability to create bipartisan support<br />
for an African American area that is heavily<br />
impoverished. Also reference any and all organized<br />
labor supported bills in the last legislative session.<br />
Kevin has proven himself to be a beacon of<br />
bipartisanship by often times being the only one from<br />
his party supporting a democrat bill. Kevin is also the<br />
House Republican Representative for the Children's<br />
Health Caucus. He has served on the House Children's<br />
Literacy Committee. His district is extremely diverse,<br />
and he has proven himself with actions, not just<br />
words, by supporting ALL of the people from his<br />
district. It is essential for a representative to support<br />
everyone, even those that would never vote for them. Kevin Schmidt embodies<br />
this principle with actions, not just political rhetoric.” - Illinois Representative<br />
Kevin Schmidt<br />
Michigan Rep. Bill G. Schuette (R)<br />
“Representative Schuette strongly embodies the MAP<br />
Ethos through his commitment to bipartisanship and<br />
positive outcomes for all Michiganians. Schuette<br />
actively looks for ways that he can craft legislation with<br />
members across the aisle - including with some that<br />
surprised members of the chattering class. Schuette<br />
has also focused on issues that impact millennials and<br />
Gen Z - including work that will help grow Michigan’s<br />
population and grow its economy.” - Andrea Bitely<br />
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Republicans<br />
Delaware Rep. Michael Smith (R) - Co-Chair<br />
“Rep. Smith embodies what it means to represent the<br />
people of our state. He is rooted in partnerships,<br />
family and commitment to listening and working with<br />
both sides of the aisle. He is an inspiration to young<br />
leaders. You can find him both at Leg Hall AND in the<br />
community - which to me, are equally important.” -<br />
Helana Rodriguz<br />
“Rep. Smith helped to launch the Delaware Future<br />
Caucus this year and was very excited about promoting<br />
policies important to young people as well as working<br />
alongside his Democratic counterparts in Sen. Evans<br />
Gay and Sen. McBride. He talked heavily about prior<br />
bills he passed with their support.” - Maloreigh Todd<br />
Florida Rep. Josie Tomkow (R)<br />
“Representative Josie Tomkow is bipartisan and<br />
dedicated to improving the lives for all Floridians. She<br />
consistently works across the aisle on legislation and<br />
with her friendships in the legislature. She is focused<br />
on many policy areas that are of interest to MAP,<br />
including AI, broadband, and education. She is a great<br />
candidate for this award and a very positive person!” -<br />
Kristin Strobel<br />
Delaware Rep. Michael Smith (R) - Co-Chair<br />
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Republicans<br />
Vermont Rep. Casey Toof (R) - Co-Chair<br />
“As one of the cochairs of the Vermont Future Caucus,<br />
Rep. Casey Toof brings true bipartisanship to the most<br />
divided Statehouse Vermont has seen in at least 40<br />
years. Despite being one of only 37 Republicans in the<br />
House, Rep. Toof uses his position as Assistant<br />
Minority Leader to find ways to work across the aisle<br />
and collaborate with the majority party, eschewing the<br />
notion that Republicans are simply the party of 'no.' He<br />
doesn't pretend to know things that are out of his<br />
wheelhouse, and has no trouble giving credit to others<br />
when it's deserved. Perhaps the most simple way to<br />
tell that Rep. Toof is respected as a leader in the<br />
building is to look at who he has lunch with; it's never<br />
the same from one day to the next, and he doesn't just<br />
sit with his own party. His colleagues like working with him, but they also enjoy<br />
simply being with him, which is a key to his success in the building.” - Rachel<br />
Feldman<br />
“Rep. Toof has demonstrated a commitment to MAP through his participation as a<br />
speaker at Future Summit and many other MAP events. As a member of the super<br />
minority in Vermont, he is uniquely positioned to demonstrate how overcoming<br />
the partisan divide is possible and is a leader for effective law making in his state.<br />
He is especially passionate about increasing legislator pay to make state<br />
government more accessible for all.” - Lizzie Brown<br />
“Casey Toof is an exemplary member of the Future Caucus. As co-chair of the<br />
Vermont Future Caucus, he has demonstrated a high level of empathy for his<br />
fellows lawmakers and creativity in building coalitions to advance public policy.<br />
His focus on housing affordability to attract and retain young talent in his state is<br />
an issue key to our generation, and the expert way he has worked across the aisle<br />
to forge passable and sensible bipartisan legislation on this issue is an example to<br />
his colleagues. Rep. Toof's service to our organization has also been remarkable.<br />
During the On the Rise tour, Rep. Toof orchestrated a gathering of approximately<br />
30 elected officials, including the House Majority Leader, the Senate minority<br />
leader, and the Lt. Governor. He also arranged a meeting for the MAP team with<br />
Governor Scott to discuss raising legislator pay to ensure the legislature is a<br />
viable option for people of all backgrounds and resources. Rep. Toof was a<br />
featured speaker at this year's Future Summit and added a crucial conservative<br />
perspective to a wide-ranging conversation about the future of our democracy.<br />
His engagement throughout Future Summit was impressive, making the gathering<br />
inviting for members of our network across the political spectrum.” - Reed<br />
Howard<br />
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Republicans<br />
Vermont Rep. Casey Toof (cont’d.)<br />
“Whether serving as a speaker during our <strong>2023</strong> Future Summit, bringing 30<br />
legislators to an On The Rise Tour event, or arranging a MAP meeting with the<br />
Governor to discuss a legislator pay bill, Representative Toof navigates his role as<br />
co-chair of the Vermont Future Caucus as a beacon of hope for what MAP can<br />
continue to be. Leading with empathy and humility, issues like housing<br />
affordability are at the forefront for Rep. Toof and he regularly seeks to work<br />
across the aisle to pass common sense solutions. What's more - he easily<br />
balances his role as co-chair with his leadership role of Assistant Minority Leader.<br />
For these reasons and more, I humbly nominate Representative Casey Toof for<br />
the <strong>Rising</strong> <strong>Star</strong> Award.” - Brandon Mitchell<br />
Massachusetts Rep. Marcus Vaughn (R) - Co-Chair<br />
“Marcus Vaughn's bipartisanship leadership ability and<br />
his track record of creating positive outcomes in the<br />
state of Massachusetts are evident through several key<br />
actions and achievements: Legislative Collaborations:<br />
Marcus Vaughn has consistently demonstrated his<br />
willingness to work across party lines to develop and<br />
pass impactful legislation. He has successfully cosponsored<br />
bills with colleagues from both sides of the<br />
aisle, showcasing his commitment to finding common<br />
ground and advancing policies that benefit all<br />
constituents. Coalition Building: Vaughn has been<br />
instrumental in forming bipartisan coalitions to<br />
address pressing issues. He played a key role in<br />
passing Bill H.3573, establishing a grant program to<br />
increase the presence of mental health counselors in schools. Vaughn's dedication<br />
to engaging with constituents from all political affiliations is a testament to his<br />
commitment to bipartisanship. He regularly holds town halls, forums, and<br />
community meetings that encourage open dialogue and allow diverse voices to be<br />
heard in the decision-making process.” - Massachusetts Representative Marcus<br />
Vaughn<br />
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Thank You<br />
THANK<br />
YOU!<br />
Please email<br />
blaine@millennialaction.org<br />
with any questions<br />
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