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Center Forward
Formation2010; 16 years ago (2010)[1]
TypeNonprofit political advocacy group
Legal status501(c)(4)
HeadquartersWashington, DC, U.S
Cori Kramer
Revenue$13 million (2024)
Expenses$12.3 million (2024)
Websitecenter-forward.org

Center Forward is a national, centrist social and political advocacy nonprofit and 501(c)(4) organization based in Washington, D.C.[2][3] It promotes centrist and bipartisan policymaking in the United States and engages in public education, policy research, and issue-based advertising,[4] with the stated goal of serving as "a premier convener for cross-party dialogue"[5] The group is chaired by former U.S. Representative and Democratic Party politician Bud Cramer of Alabama.[6]

History

[edit]

The think tank Center Forward was launched by a group of moderate policymakers to serve as a convener for centrist policies and solutions.[7][8] The group's original name was the Blue Dog Research Forum, having grown out of the Blue Dog Coalition as its number dwindled, and rebranded to "Center Forward" to reflect the bipartisan nature of its goals.[9][10][11][12]

Rep. Cramer said, "Since our founding in 2010, we have brought together Republicans and Democrats and have seen firsthand how breaking down those barriers can lead to positive change in how government operates. We will continue to work to be a positive force in Washington as policymakers address the issues that face Americans across the country."[13]

In 2020, CEO Cori Kramer told Business Insider, "A functioning and successful government for the American people is what we should all be focusing on, from Cabinet appointments to legislative agendas. This is unlike anything we've seen in recent history and should be seen as an opportunity for both parties to come to the table to address the ongoing health and economic crises."[14] 

Policies and Activities

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Center Forward's work covers eight main policy areas: energy and sustainability, financial services, healthcare, innovation and technology, pragmatic governance, tax reform, trade, and workforce development. It has advocated on issues like preserving incentives like the orphan drug tax credit to promote medical innovation during broader tax reform debate.[15]

Center Forward conducts research, polling, and policy discussions focused on federal economic and social policies.[16]

Its projects have included:

  • Public-opinion research (2025) reporting that some Trump voters viewed the administration as distracted from economic issues.[18]
  • A joint report with PwC (2024) comparing U.S. and international tax-filing systems, concluding that countries with return-free filing typically maintain simpler tax codes.[19]
  • An International Chiefs of Staff Issues Conference in Mexico City (Feb. 2026) to discuss ongoing economic impact of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).[20][21][22]
  • A report (March 2026) that found overwhelming bipartisan support for women's health issues: 90% of respondents agreed that women have unique health needs that require specific attention.[23]
  • A study on widespread dissatisfaction with partisanship across the political spectrum (July 2026), reporting that voters are frustrated that hyper-partisanship distracts from every day affordability issues. Study participants expressed concern about government overreach, taxation, executive authority and protection of individual rights.[24][25]
  • A bipartisan Gerrymandering Reform Framework (July 2026), in coordination with the Problem Solvers Caucus in response to widespread gerrymandering efforts leading up to the 2026 midterms. Center Forward CEO Cori Kramer said, “Most people want their elected officials to work together, solve problems and address the issues that affect their everyday lives. Gerrymandering makes that harder. It creates districts where elected officials have less incentive to work across the aisle, find common ground or build the kinds of durable bipartisan solutions that can actually move the country forward.”[26][27][28]

Center Forward also presents an "Advancing Good Governance Award" program, which recognizes Members of Congress who are committed to bipartisan leadership and constructive dialogue. This award is presented annually to members of Congress known for building coalitions. The list of 2025 recipients included: Sen. James Lankford (R-OK), Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Rep. Ami Bera (D-CA), Rep. Jim Costa (D-CA), and Rep. Ryan Mackenzie (R-PA).[29]

In April 2019, The Intercept reported that Center Forward hosted a bipartisan policy retreat for senior congressional staff at a resort in Virginia, featuring panels on healthcare legislation from health insurance industry lobbyists who are leading opposition to Medicare for All.[30] Center Forward has endorsed various politicians, including John Barrow in Georgia's 2014 elections.[31] 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.[32]

Funding and Political Spending

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For 2023, Center Forward reported roughly $13 million in revenue and $12.3 million in expenditures, allocated to policy research, events, and advocacy campaigns. Center Forward supports "centrist allies" on both sides of the aisle[33] through a variety of means, including super PACs.[34]

According to the organization’s 2022 IRS Form 990 filings, Center Forward reported $12.97 million in total expenses, nearly all dedicated to research, events, and nationwide advertising campaigns.[35] Investigations by Kaiser Health News and OpenSecrets identified Center Forward among advocacy groups that received substantial support from pharmaceutical-industry lobbying entities. The group does not disclose individual donors, consistent with U.S. law governing 501(c)(4) "social-welfare" organizations.[36] The group has been heavily funded with dark money donations from the pharmaceutical industry's lobbying group.[37][38]

In November 2025, Center Forward Committee, its super PAC, is spent $630,000 into online and mail ads aimed at helping Representative Angie Craig against Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan in the 2026 United States Senate election in Minnesota.[34]

In May 2026, the Center Forward Initiative (CFI) superPAC sent mail ads supporting Republicans Rep. Blake Moore and Rep. Jeff Hurd in their primary elections.[39]

As of August 2026, the organization spent $14.1 million in support of Democratic candidates in the 2026 United States elections.[40]

References

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  1. ↑ "Who We Are". Center Forward. Retrieved December 23, 2025.
  2. ↑ Kane, Paul (October 23, 2021). "Democrats' problem is not focusing on issues most vital to independents, 2 prominent pollsters say". The Washington Post. Washington, DC. Retrieved December 23, 2025.
  3. ↑ Roberts, Andrea Suozzo, Alec Glassford, Ash Ngu, Brandon (2013-05-09). "Center Forward, Full Filing - Nonprofit Explorer". ProPublica. Retrieved 2025-01-04.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  4. ↑ "Column | Some Trump voters worry he is ignoring their top issues, like the economy". The Washington Post. 2025-03-13. ISSN 0190-8286. Retrieved 2025-09-06.
  5. ↑ McCue, Dan (December 3, 2025). "Study Finds Voters Want Compromise But It's Not That Easy to Realize". The Well. Washington, DC. Retrieved December 23, 2025.
  6. ↑ Troyan, Mary Orndorff (March 23, 2012). "Former Alabama congressman Bud Cramer still in the political middle". Al.com. Retrieved January 13, 2018.
  7. ↑ Kane, Paul (October 15, 2022). "Independent voters don't want mini-Trumps, are bored by Biden". The Washington Post. Washington, DC. Retrieved December 23, 2025.
  8. ↑ Kane, Paul (August 6, 2022). "Culture wars could be a winning issue – for Democrats". The Washington Post. Washington, DC. Retrieved December 23, 2025.
  9. ↑ Kane, Paul; Blue Dog Democrats, whittled down in number, are trying to regroup; The Washington Post; January 15, 2014;
  10. ↑ Drusch, Andrea (March 28, 2014). "Rampy, Northrop hang a shingle — Cornyn cousel heads to Abbott — K2&Co. launches policy blog — Scott Brown steering committee hosts Dubliner reception". Politico.
  11. ↑ Castañeda, Leonardo (August 25, 2017). "Private money funds $38K in travel by San Diego House members, staff". inewsource.
  12. ↑ Sherman, Jake (March 22, 2012). "Study Finds Voters Want Compromise But It's Not That Easy to Realize". Politico. Washington, DC. Retrieved December 23, 2025.
  13. ↑ "Our Mission". Center Forward. Retrieved December 23, 2025.
  14. ↑ Leonard, Kimberly (November 6, 2020). "Biden reconsiders Cabinet dream team after Democrats' lackluster Senate gains. Stock sinking for progressives like Bernie, Warrenbusinessinsider.com". Business Insider. Washington, DC. Retrieved June 12, 2026.
  15. ↑ Moore, David (March 14, 2024). "House Dems Donate to Centrist Group That Undermines Their Agenda". The Washington Post. Washington, DC. Retrieved December 23, 2025.
  16. ↑ Cook, Charlie (October 28, 2021). "There's Opportunity in Independents". Cook Political Report. Retrieved January 28, 2026.
  17. ↑ Stangler, Dane (June 23, 2021). "Supporting Small Business and Strengthening the Economy Through Procurement Reform". Bipartisan Policy Center. Retrieved January 28, 2026.
  18. ↑ "Column | Some Trump voters worry he is ignoring their top issues, like the economy". The Washington Post. 2025-03-13. ISSN 0190-8286. Retrieved 2025-09-06.
  19. ↑ Liddell-Grainger, Ian (April 15, 2024). "The U.S. can look to the U.K. on many policies, our tax system shouldn't be one". Progressive Policy Institute. Washington, DC. Retrieved December 23, 2025.
  20. ↑ "Center Forward Brings Bipartisan U.S. Leaders to Mexico City as North America Faces Pivotal 2026 Crossroads". Center Forward. April 15, 2026. Retrieved October 19, 2026.
  21. ↑ @American Chamber/Mexico (February 19, 2026). Chamber/Mexico/status/2024287132408221782 ""America First" doesn't mean America alone" (Tweet) – via X (formerly Twitter). {{cite web}}: Check |url= value (help)
  22. ↑ @Julio Berdegué (February 19, 2026). Berdegué/status/2024287132408221782 "Hoy, me reuní con representantes del @CenterForwardUS y con asesoras y asesores legislativos del Congreso de Estados Unidos, para dialogar sobre la relación entre nuestras economías agroalimentarias y otros temas de interés" (Tweet) – via X (formerly Twitter). {{cite web}}: Check |url= value (help)
  23. ↑ McCue, Beth (March 19, 2026). "Poll finds strong bipartisan agreement: Women's health should be a priority". MSN. Washington, DC. Retrieved June 12, 2026.
  24. ↑ Caldwell, Leigh Ann (July 6, 2026). "America 451". Puck. Washington, DC. Retrieved October 19, 2026.
  25. ↑ McCue, Dan (July 29, 2026). "Study Finds Battleground Voters Disappointed With Nation's Direction". The Well News. Washington, DC. Retrieved October 19, 2026.
  26. ↑ "What They're Saying: Problem Solvers Caucus Gerrymandering Reform Framework". Problem Solvers Caucus. September 4, 2026. Retrieved October 19, 2026.
  27. ↑ "Problem Solvers Caucus Takes Up Redistricting Reform". CATO. September 14, 2026. Retrieved October 19, 2026.
  28. ↑ McCue, Dan (July 2, 2026). "House Problem Solvers Caucus Releases Proposal for Gerrymandering Reform". The Well News. Washington, DC. Retrieved October 19, 2026.
  29. ↑ Irvine, Bethany (November 19, 2025). "Parsing Trump's Ukraine peace plan". Politico. Washington, DC. Retrieved January 5, 2026.
  30. ↑ Fang, Lee (May 11, 2019). "Lobbyists Working to Undermine Medicare for All Host Congressional Staff at Luxury Resort". The Intercept.
  31. ↑ Kane, Paul; Blue Dog Democrats, whittled down in number, are trying to regroup; The Washington Post; January 15, 2014;
  32. ↑ Troyan, Mary Orndorff (March 23, 2012). "Former Alabama congressman Bud Cramer still in the political middle". Al.com. Retrieved January 13, 2018.
  33. ↑ Eggen, Dan (September 12, 2012). "The Influence Industry: New group buys TV ads to help endangered Blue Dog Democrats". The Washington Post. Washington, DC. Retrieved December 23, 2025.
  34. 1 2 Center Forward launches pro-Craig buy - Punchbowl News
  35. ↑ "Center Forward, Full text of "Full Filing" for fiscal year ending Dec. 2022". ProPublica. Retrieved January 28, 2026.
  36. ↑ "Center Forward". InfluenceWatch. Retrieved 2025-01-15.
  37. ↑ Kane, Paul; Blue Dog Democrats, whittled down in number, are trying to regroup; The Washington Post; January 15, 2014;
  38. ↑ Drusch, Andrea (March 28, 2014). "Rampy, Northrop hang a shingle — Cornyn cousel heads to Abbott — K2&Co. launches policy blog — Scott Brown steering committee hosts Dubliner reception". Politico.
  39. ↑ "CENTER FORWARD INITIATIVE INC (CFI) spending summary". Federal Election Commission. Retrieved 2026-10-19.
  40. ↑ Morse, Clara Ence; Shapiro, Leslie; Somasundaram, Praveena; Lau, Eric (2026-08-22). "Meet the megadonors pouring more than $1.6 billion into the 2026 elections". The Washington Post. Retrieved 2026-08-28.
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