Leadership Now Project Announces Slate of Candidates to Renew Centrist Talent

Organization of business executives follows up its analysis demonstrating the urgent need for generational renewal in Congress with a pipeline of solutions-oriented leaders to strengthen U.S. competitiveness.

Leadership Now Project, the membership organization of business leaders committed to protecting democracy as a foundation for a thriving economy and political stability, today announced its initial slate of 2026 Leadership Now Candidates. This list reflects Leadership Now’s longstanding mission of elevating centrist, solutions-driven leaders with real-world experience.

This slate is one pillar of a broader effort to spotlight the urgent need for new talent in politics by strengthening pathways into public service and supporting leaders once they’re in office. Leadership Now is simultaneously releasing new analysis on Congressional tenure, showing a pressing need for generational renewal and leadership succession—with 53 House members set to be 75 or older by November 2026.

Leadership Now is also supporting Governor-Elect Sherrill’s transition team through the launch of the New Jersey Plum Book 2025 initiative—a first-of-its-kind, transparent listing of appointed roles mapped to the skills required for each. The effort is designed to surface and place talent with experience outside politics into key positions across the new administration.

Today’s announcement builds on Leadership Now’s high-profile efforts to encourage President Biden to Pass the Torch last year. Since then, Leadership Now has kept the pressure on, rallying to defend America’s research universities. It’s all part of their long-term talent push—supporting leaders from the military, science, engineering, and business who are building power so the government can deliver on the country’s biggest challenges.

Leadership Now's recent analysis reveals a stark generational disconnect in Congress. Half of registered voters are under 55, yet 80% of U.S. Senators are 55 or older. Democratic committee chairs average 70 years old—nearly a decade older than their Republican counterparts and well beyond the typical CEO retirement age of 62. The data show voters want change: two-thirds support retirement at 75. North Dakota voters even passed an age cap of 81 by 61% in 2024.

“We’re doubling down on bringing serious, centrist talent into politics because the country needs leaders who can execute,” said Daniella Ballou-Aares, CEO of Leadership Now Project. “Voters are asking for competence and dynamism, and business leaders are asking for the same. Our 2026 Leadership Now Candidates are proven operators with track-records of capable leadership outside of politics. Like the Congressional candidates we’ve supported since 2018—including Governors-Elect Spanberger and Sherrill—they’ll work to deliver broad-based growth and protect the rule of law.”

Some of Leadership Now’s 2026 Candidates include:

HOUSE

Rebecca Bennett (NJ-07) — Veteran | Business Leader | Healthcare Innovator

Bridget Brink (MI-7) — Diplomat | National Security Leader | Public Servant

Paige Cognetti (PA-8) — Mayor | Government Reformer | Public Finance Expert

Cait Conley (NY-17) — Veteran | National Security Expert | Public Servant

Rebecca Cooke (WI-3) — Entrepreneur | Community Leader | Economic Development Leader

Laura Gillen (NY-4) — Attorney | Local Government Reformer | Public Servant

Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (WA-3) — Small Business Owner | Community Leader

Maggie Goodlander (NH-2) — Intelligence Officer | Attorney | Public Servant

Kristen McDonald Rivet (MI-8) — Experienced Legislator | Nonprofit Executive | Education Leader

Josh Riley (NY-19) — Attorney | Public Policy Expert | Congressional Counsel

Pat Ryan (NY-18) — Veteran | Entrepreneur | Local Policy Expert

Emilia Sykes (OH-13) — State Legislator | Attorney | Public Policy Leader

George Whitesides (CA-27) — Aerospace CEO | Innovation Policy Leader

SENATE

Angie Craig (MN) — Business Leader | Congresswoman | Reform Advocate

Roy Cooper (NC) — Governor | Attorney General | Public Servant

Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL) — Congressman | Policy Expert | Business Leader

Jon Ossoff (GA) — Investigative Journalist | Entrepreneur | Public Accountability Advocate

(Full slate and bios available at our website)

About Leadership Now Project

Leadership Now Project is a membership organization of business leaders committed to protecting democracy as a foundation for a thriving economy and political stability. We take action—investing in leaders, influencing policy, responding to risks, and partnering to drive solutions. Founded in 2017, today Leadership Now has members in 25+ states and chapters in 8, and collaborates with faculty at more than a dozen colleges and universities. Learn more at www.leadershipnowproject.org.

Leadership Now Project is a section 501(c)(4) social welfare organization with a mission to protect and renew American democracy. Leadership Now PAC is a separate, affiliated political organization that supports candidates who share that mission.

Note to editors: Additional background on the Priority Candidates slate, research on generational renewal, and the talent placement initiative is available upon request.

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