Miami Republican Sen. Alexis Calatayud will be recognized in the nation’s capital this month for her bipartisan approach to tackling some of Florida’s toughest policy challenges.
The nonprofit Future Caucus announced that Calatayud is one of four state lawmakers to receive its 2025 Rising Star Award on Nov. 18, citing her “commitment to advancing pragmatic, results-oriented policy.”
The Rising Star Awards recognize Gen Z and millennial lawmakers who work across party lines to address critical issues for their constituents and the nation.
Calatayud, the Future Caucus said, has “championed affordable housing, early education and services for individuals with disabilities, drawing on her experience in youth civic engagement and state education policy to deliver results.”
Future Caucus President and CEO Layla Zaidane praised Calatayud’s “spirit of collaboration and practical leadership.”
“Her dedication to building bipartisan solutions demonstrates the power of rising lawmakers to create meaningful, lasting impact,” Zaidane said. “We are proud to recognize her with the Rising Star Award and highlight her work as a model for leaders across the country.”
Among other things, Calatayud has successfully sponsored the “Live Local Act,” a monumental measure meant to speed the development of affordable and workforce housing; a 2025 law designed to improve Florida’s school readiness program; and a 2024 law to strengthen Florida’s employment standards for people with disabilities.
“Working closely with Democratic Rep. Kevin Chambliss, whose district overlaps with hers, she has built bridges across chambers and parties to move her state forward,” the Future Caucus said.
She will be honored alongside Georgia state Rep. Imani Barnes, a Democratic biomedical scientist and public health advocate. Democratic state Sen. Löki Tobin and Republican state Rep. Justin Ruffridge of Alaska are also to receive the Cherisse Eatmon Collective Impact Award, which the Future Caucus categorizes as a Rising Star Award, for their joint efforts to strengthen public education.
“Public service is about finding common ground and focusing on what truly matters to people’s lives,” Calatayud said in a statement.
“As young lawmakers, we have a responsibility to lead with authenticity, deliver results, and strengthen faith in our community. I’m honored to receive this award from Future Caucus and look forward to the work ahead.”
Other award recipients this year include Republican U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Democratic U.S. Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez of Washington, who will receive the Jacob K. Javits Prize for Bipartisan Leadership.
