Barbara Jordan, the co-founder of People For the American Way, was a true visionary and public servant. Serving as the first African American woman in the Texas State Legislature, and the first African American US Representative from the Deep South, she championed voting rights and the causes of the poor, the disadvantaged, and people of color.
The award honors Congresswoman Jordan’s legacy and dedication to public service and our country by recognizing one outstanding young elected official—chosen by their peers—who is following in her footsteps by advancing the cause of justice.
Each year, The Barbara Jordan Leadership Award is awarded to an elected official who has demonstrated a commitment to the values and mission of the YEO Network and has a distinguished record of service to their community and the progressive movement at large.
As the Young Elected Officials Network gathers to commemorate its 21st Anniversary, we are proud to once again recognize the transformative impact of young elected leaders on their communities, our country, and our democracy.
WATCH:
Rep. Sarah McBride Accepts 2025 Jordan Award
Selected through a national vote of her YEO colleagues, Sarah McBride sends an inspiring message to Convening attendees from Capitol Hill.
The 2026 Jordan Award Nominees
Our 2026 nominees show what leadership should look, feel, and sound like. From DC to Detroit, from Minneapolis to Memphis, and from Austin to Boston, these leaders represent the core equity first values of the network.
Selected through a process led by People For staff, board members, and YEO alumni, the 2026 Barbara Jordan Award nominees are collectively recognized for their dedication to the mission of the YEO Network, their exemplary record of public service, and their fearless commitment to freedom, justice, and democracy. The 2026 award winner, ultimately selected by members of the YEO Network, offers additional recognition by their peers around the country for their work in spurring the pipeline for leaders and policies rooted in our shared values.
Janeese Lewis-George
City Councilor | Washington, DC
Janeese Lewis George is the Ward 4 DC Councilmember. She previously served as an Assistant Attorney General for the district. She is known for championing affordable housing, workers' rights, public safety reform, and policies supporting working families across the district.
Zaynab Mohamed
State Senator | Minneapolis, MN
Zaynab Mohamed is a State Senator representing Minneapolis’s District 63. A Somali immigrant, Zaynab is the first Black women elected to the Minnesota Senate and the youngest woman elected to the legislature. Mohamed is an advocate for affordable housing, workers’ rights, and immigrant communities
James Talarico
State Representative | Austin, TX
James Talarico is a Texas state representative and former public school teacher known for his advocacy on public education, health care affordability, and working families’ issues. First elected in 2018, he represents the Austin area and has earned recognition for bipartisan policy work and a values-driven leadership style
Donavan McKinney
State Representative | Detroit Michigan
Donavan McKinney is a Michigan State Representative from Detroit and a longtime community advocate. Raised in a working-class family, he has focused on environmental justice, workers’ rights, affordable utilities, public education, and health care access. A University of Michigan graduate, he is known for his progressive leadership and grassroots organizing
Tram Nguyen
State Representative | Essex County, MA
Tram Nguyen is a Massachusetts State Representative, attorney, and former legal aid advocate representing the 18th District. A Vietnamese refugee who came to the U.S. as a child, she made history as the first Vietnamese American woman elected to the Massachusetts Legislature and is known for championing workers’ rights, climate action, and justice
Justin Pearson
State Representative | Memphis, TN
Justin J. Pearson is a Tennessee State Representative from Memphis, activist, and community organizer. Elected in 2023, Pearson is a leading voice on environmental justice, gun violence prevention, voting rights, and racial equity, known for his powerful advocacy and grassroots leadership
Jordan Award Winners
Commissioner, Washington DC; Commissioner, Essex County, NJ
Shelby County Commissioner, Tennessee
Arizona House of Representatives
Commonwealth Attorney, Portsmouth, VA
Mayor, Tallahassee, FL
Mayor, Ithaca, New York
Missouri State Senate
Santa Clara County Board of Education, California
"What the people want is very simple - they want an America as good as its promise."