Future Forum PAC Backs Cait Conley (NY-17) and Chaz Molder (TN-05) in Key Democratic Pickup Opportunities

WASHINGTON – Future Forum PAC – the political arm of Future Forum, a caucus of House Democrats aged 50 and under focused on elevating the issues of young Americans – announced today its endorsement of two young candidates running in key Democratic pickup seats this cycle.

Future Forum PAC endorsed Cait Conley, an Army combat veteran, who is vying for the Democratic primary nomination to run against Rep. Mike Lawler (NY-17), and Chaz Molder, a young Mayor in Columbia, Tennessee, challenging Rep. Andy Ogles (TN-05).

“Many younger Americans cannot remember a time when the country was not at war, and they are tired of watching Donald Trump and House Republicans spend taxpayer money on foreign fights that drive up their everyday costs like gas and groceries. They want leaders in Washington who know the consequences of these decisions and are laser focused on making their lives easier, not more expensive” said the co-chairs of Future Forum PAC. “Cait Conley and Mayor Chaz Molder are the principled and community-driven candidates who will win their race and deliver for people at home.”

“I am so grateful to receive the support of Future Forum, a group that’s focused on new ideas and a new generation of leadership in Congress,”  said NY-17 Democratic candidate Cait Conley. “As an Army combat veteran and public servant, I’ve spent my career in roles where results matter and you’re accountable for what you do. That’s what being in Congress should be about. But right now, too many people, especially young Americans, feel like the system isn’t working for them and they’re right. They’re working hard, doing everything they’re supposed to do, and still getting left behind. I’m in this race because Mike Lawler is a part of the problem. He’s more focused on playing politics and his own ambition than delivering for the people he was elected to represent. With the support of Future Forum, we’re going to flip this seat and bring real leadership back to the Hudson Valley.”

“I'm honored to have the support of Future Forum PAC,” said Chaz Molder. “When I was first elected in 2018, I was the youngest mayor in Columbia's history, and that experience taught me that fresh leadership and a focus on results can make a real difference. The next generation deserves representatives focused on the issues that shape their lives: the cost of a first home, quality healthcare, a good-paying job. I'm running for Congress to bring that same focus and Middle Tennessee values to Washington.

Future Forum PAC works to elect young Americans to Congress, providing financial and strategic support to its endorsed candidates. With Millennials and post-Millennials now making up more than half of the U.S. population – and with Millennials overtaking Baby Boomers as the largest generational voting demographic – Future Forum PAC’s role in elevating and empowering young Americans in the political process continues to grow in importance and power. The PAC is co-chaired by Rep. Gabe Amo, Rep. Janelle Bynum, Rep. Morgan McGarvey, and Rep. Brittany Pettersen. 

About the Future Forum PAC Endorsed Challengers:

Cait Conley (NY-17)
vs. GOP Rep. Mike Lawler

Cook Rating: Toss Up

Cait Conley is a proud fourth-generation Hudson Valley native from working-class roots who understands the values of hard work and public service. Cait was a junior at Pine Bush High School on 9/11 when she watched the Twin Towers fall. The next day, she started her application to the United States Military Academy at West Point, earning a congressional nomination from the late Congressman Maurice Hinchey and eventually graduating in the top 2% of her class. Cait was the first in her family to graduate from college and went on to earn master’s degrees from MIT and Harvard.

She served for 16 years as an active-duty Army officer, deploying overseas six times to combat zones including Iraq and Afghanistan, leading America’s sons and daughters to keep our country safe. She broke barriers as one of the first women in Special Ops leadership. Her career as a public servant continued here at home, protecting our security and democracy while serving as the Director for Counterterrorism on the National Security Council at the White House. She later helped safeguard our critical infrastructure and election systems at the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA).

During her service at the White House and CISA, Cait worked directly with Congress on some of the most complex threats facing our country, including drafting and reviewing federal legislation to address critical national security issues and keep American families safe. She led efforts to strengthen the security and resilience of our nation’s critical infrastructure — from the water we drink, to the energy that powers our homes.

Chaz Molder (TN-05)
vs. GOP Rep. Andy Ogles

Cook Rating: Likely R

Born and raised in the 5th Congressional District, Chaz is a proud product of Columbia’s public schools, a graduate of the University of Tennessee, and law school graduate of the University of Memphis. Chaz Molder was elected as Columbia’s mayor in 2018. At that time, he was the youngest mayor in Tennessee and the youngest mayor in his city’s 200+ year history.

As Mayor, Chaz has earned a reputation for bringing people together to solve problems. He’s passed seven balanced budgets with no property tax increases, while simultaneously investing in education and public safety. He also made critical infrastructure investments, while saving taxpayers $10.5 million through strong fiscal management. Chaz also formed Columbia Mayor’s Youth Council to help inspire the next generation to make a positive impact in their hometown.

Chaz is married to Elizabeth Molder, his college sweetheart, who is a former public school teacher. Chaz and Liz have three wonderful children, Marley, Hugh, and Bebe, who all attend local public schools in Columbia. The Molders are active members of First United Methodist Church in Columbia, the same Church Chaz grew up in, and where his father is a 30 year plus Sunday School teacher. Chaz is an avid runner and he enjoys playing sports, hunting, and spending time outdoors with his family.

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