The lawmakers who could soon be shaping national policy got an early look at the issues facing America's businesses at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's 2026 Free Enterprise Forums. The events brought together prospective members of Congress for conversations on rising threats to free enterprise and discussions on the economy, workforce, technology, fiscal policy, and other challenges expected to dominate the agenda of the 120th Congress.
Led by the Chamber’s senior political strategist, Ashlee Rich Stephenson, these events provided potential members of the next Congress policy solutions they can embrace when they get to D.C. next year while offering a chance to engage with senior Chamber leaders and stakeholders form the business community.
Attendees heard from the Chamber's Chief Policy Officer Neil Bradley on the importance of 3% economic growth to create new opportunities for American workers, businesses, and communities. Candidates also heard from the Chamber's President and CEO Suzanne P. Clark on the organization’s 114-year mission to defend, protect, and advance free enterprise and the Chamber’s approach to current challenges through the New Fight for Free Enterprise.
“Left unchecked, policy choices that treat business like the problem will result in slower growth, fewer opportunities, and a more constrained and less dynamic economy," said Suzanne P. Clark, President and CEO of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. "Together, we can push back against the rising tide of anticapitalist sentiment and ensure the American experience continues to be defined by innovation, opportunity, and mobility—which only free enterprise can deliver.”
The Chamber's Head of Government Affairs, former Congressman Rodney Davis, also spoke to candidates on what prospective new members of Congress can expect after the midterms if they are successful on election day. Mr. Davis previously served as the top Republican on the House Administration Committee which runs new member orientation.
Candidate attendees included: Ralph Alvarado (R-KY-06), Jon Bonck (R-TX-38), Jerry Carl (R-AL-01), Dr. John Cowan (R-GA-11), Wes Climer (R-SC-05), Carlos De La Cruz (R-TX-35), Jim Desmond (R-CA-48), Jay Feely (R-AZ-01), David Flippo (R-NV-02), Ed Gallrein (R-KY-04), Chris Gober (R-TX-10), Chuck Gray (R-WY-AL), Dan Green (R-FL-09), Dr. Charlie Hatcher (R-TN-05), Jenny Honeycutt (R-SC-01), Marty Jackley (R-SD-AL), Rhett Marques (R-AL-02), Chris McGowan (R-IA-04), Amanda McKinney (R-WA-04), Alex Mealer (R-TX-09), Joe Mitchell (R-IA-02), Trever Nehls (R-TX-22), Austin Rogers (R-FL-02), Tom Sell (R-TX-19), Scott Singer (R-FL-25), Jessica Steinmann (R-TX-08), Chris Stigall (R-MO-06), Brent Taylor (R-TN-09), Mark Tedford (R-OK-01), Mark Teixeira (R-TX-21), Steve Toth (R-TX-02), and Jace Yarbrough (R-TX-32).
"Defending free enterprise isn't a one-election effort - it's a long-term commitment. That's why the Chamber engages candidates before they are members of Congress," said Ashlee Rich Stephenson, Senior Political Strategist at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. "Building relationships early and exposing future lawmakers to the priorities of American businesses helps lay the foundation for sound policymaking when they arrive in Washington."
Read more on the Chamber’s 2024 and 2022 Free Enterprise Forums.
