Center Forward is a leading centrist policy group[1] and think tank[2] based in Washington, D.C. The 501(c)(4) nonpartisan nonprofit organization[3] strives to create more bipartisan conversations among Washington leaders[4]. advocates for bipartisan policies in the United States government, and supports lawmakers who “work together in a commonsense and bipartisan fashion to get things done."[5]
Formed in 2010 with roots in the Blue Dog Coalition, the organization is dedicated to bringing members of Congress and other stakeholders together to find common ground and pragmatic solutions to the challenges facing the American people.[6] It is chaired by former Democratic Representative Bud Cramer.[7]
After the Blue Dog Coalition whittled down in members, the organization was founded to promote similar ideas. Blue Dog members have noted that Center Forward could be the path towards the return of a Democratic majority.[8][9][10]
To advance its issue areas, Center Forward hosts roundtable discussions, policy conferences, and networking receptions on Capitol Hill. It also publishes research, conducts polling, and writes opinion pieces, think pieces, and analyses on legislative and regulatory issues.
Center Forward also conducts bipartisan research, including research in 2025 that found "some Trump voters worry he is ignoring their top issues, like the economy." Their "bipartisan researchers" found in the same research found that "a key group of voters see the president as distracted from fighting inflation."[11]
They have also published reports like an April 2024 one with PWC that found, “most countries that have a return-free filing system have far simpler tax systems than the United States has.”[12]
According to the nonpartisan Influence Watch, the organization’s top issue areas are energy and sustainability, financial services, health care, innovation and technology, pragmatic governing, tax policy, trade, and workforce development.
According to tax filings, in 2022 Center Forward directed nearly all its expenses ($12,259,683 of $12,974,128) toward hosting panels discussions and events, conducting research, and conducting nationwide advertising to support its policy goals.[13] The group has been heavily funded with dark money donations from the pharmaceutical industry's lobbying group.[14][15]
Center Forward has endorsed various politicians, including John Barrow in Georgia’s 2014 elections.[16] Center Forward reportedly spent $1 million on national television ads promoting a bipartisan approach to balancing the budget. It is chaired by former Democratic Representative Bud Cramer.[7] In April 2019, Center Forward held an event for senior Republican and Democratic Congressional staffers at the Salamander Resort and Spa, featuring health insurance industry lobbyists who are leading opposition to Medicare for All.[17]
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