Former Rep. Cheri Bustos Launches Next American Era to Promote a Pro-Growth, Pro-Worker Agenda

Next American Era will drive an economic policy agenda to help policymakers earn back the trust of hardworking Americans in the middle

WASHINGTON, DC — February 9, 2026 —Next American Era, a new national 501(c)(4) organization led by former U.S. Representative Cheri Bustos, today announced its launch to advance a pro-growth, pro-consumer, and pro-worker agenda that strengthens communities, fuels innovation, and expands economic opportunity for all Americans.

Under Bustos’s leadership, Next American Era will work to encourage policymakers to resist calls for extremism and champion long-term, pragmatic policies that are proven to improve lives and strengthen communities – a shift she believes will help public officials earn back the trust of hardworking Americans in the middle. 

“I’ve always fought for pro-growth, pro-worker, and pro-consumer policies and I am excited to continue that mission through Next American Era. Whether it’s in Washington or in state capitals, too many hardworking Americans feel left behind as our politics have been driven more and more by the loudest and most extreme voices in both parties,” said Cheri Bustos, President of Next American Era. “In many cases, despite good intentions, this has led to policy outcomes with harmful and unintended consequences for the very people we’re all trying to help. The American people want real results that will improve their lives which is why Next American Era will be advocating for a practical, growth-first policy agenda where workers, businesses, and communities succeed together.”

Next American Era is launching as public disaffiliation with both major parties is reaching historic highs and voter dissatisfaction is rising across the political spectrum. Next American Era will advocate for common sense policies that prioritize long-term growth, create stronger economic environments, and address the everyday issues hardworking families are facing across the country. 

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