State legislators Rep. Jeremy Gray, D-Opelika, and Sen. Robert Stewart, D-Selma, have been named to the 2025-26 cohort of Future Caucus Innovation Fellows. This distinguished two-year program brings together 64 emerging leaders from 34 states who are dedicated to transcending political divisions and addressing pressing community issues.
The Future Caucus Innovation Fellowship equips participants with resources, expertise, and connections to craft impactful policy solutions. Fellows choose one of four policy tracks: Civic Innovation, Energy & Environment, Prenatal-to-Three, and Criminal Justice. Gray and Stewart have both opted for the Civic Innovation track, focusing their efforts on advancing voter engagement, enhancing government transparency, and integrating cutting-edge technology into governance.
Through the fellowship, participants gain access to policy briefings from subject-matter experts, a repository of evidence-based research, and opportunities to collaborate with like-minded lawmakers nationwide. Fellows will also participate in experiential learning trips to organizations working on Civic Innovation initiatives, gaining practical insights to inform their legislative efforts.
The program concludes with the annual Futures Thinking Forum and Rising Star Awards in Washington, D.C., where fellows will showcase their progress and build networks to further influence state and national policymaking.
“Future Caucus is committed to empowering a new generation of leaders to bridge divides and embrace innovative solutions,” said the organization in a statement. “By fostering collaboration and equipping lawmakers with tools for success, we aim to reshape the political landscape for a better future.”
This opportunity places Gray and Stewart at the forefront of innovative policymaking, reflecting their commitment to addressing Alabama’s challenges with forward-thinking solutions.
Future Caucus is a nonpartisan nonprofit organization that supports young elected officials in Congress and state legislatures. Through fostering collaboration and promoting evidence-based policy, the organization empowers leaders from Gen Z and millennial generations to drive transformative change in their communities.
