IFES to Honor Congressman Steny Hoyer with Charles T. Manatt Democracy Award for Lifetime Achievement

Congressman Don Bacon to join Hoyer for bipartisan conversation on democracy, public service, and American leadership

WASHINGTON, Nov. 10, 2026 — The International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) will honor U.S. Representative Steny H. Hoyer (D-MD) with the Charles T. Manatt Democracy Award for Lifetime Achievement during IFES' Annual Democracy Celebration at the Patterson Mansion in Washington, D.C., on November 30, 2026.

Congressman Hoyer will be joined by U.S. Representative Don Bacon (R-NE) for a fireside conversation exploring the importance of bipartisan leadership, the challenges facing democracy worldwide, and the enduring role the United States can play in supporting democratic institutions and free and fair elections around the globe.

"Steny Hoyer exemplifies the principled leadership and commitment to public service that the Manatt Democracy Award was established to recognize," said Peter McPherson, Chair of the IFES Board of Directors. "Throughout his distinguished career – including nearly 20 years serving on the IFES Board of Directors – Congressman Hoyer has demonstrated that strengthening the institutions of democracy is not a partisan undertaking, but a responsibility shared across political divides. IFES is proud to recognize Congressman Hoyer's extraordinary contributions to democracy worldwide."

A former House Majority Leader and one of Congress' most experienced voices on international affairs, Hoyer has consistently championed democratic governance, human rights, and strong American partnerships with democracies around the world. His leadership reflects the legacy of Charles T. Manatt, the former U.S. Ambassador whose stellar commitment to bipartisan cooperation and international democracy inspired the namesake award.

"I am honored to receive an award bearing the name of Charles 'Chuck' Manatt, a dear friend whose championing of democracy and public service I was privileged to witness firsthand," said Congressman Steny H. Hoyer. "Democracy requires our active commitment to the institutions, freedoms, and responsibilities that sustain it. Throughout my career, I have worked to promote the principle that America's support for global democracy must transcend party lines. I am grateful to IFES for its vital work advancing that principle. It has been an honor to serve on IFES' Board of Directors and to carry Chuck's legacy forward."

Congressman Bacon, a retired U.S. Air Force brigadier general and respected voice on national security and foreign policy, will join Hoyer in a conversation highlighting the value of principled disagreement, bipartisan cooperation, and America's democratic example. "Congressman Hoyer and I come from different political parties, but we share the conviction that the United States must support democracy and free and fair elections worldwide," said Congressman Don Bacon. "Democracy depends not on the absence of political differences, but on our willingness to work together despite them. I look forward to joining Steny for a conversation about the values we share, the challenges we face, and the responsibility we have to strengthen our support for democracy worldwide, for the benefit of future generations."

Ambassador Tod Sedgwick, Co-Chair of the IFES Board of Directors, emphasized the significance of bringing the two lawmakers together.

"At a time when political divisions too often dominate the public conversation, this evening offers a powerful reminder of what unites us," said Sedgwick. "Congressmen Hoyer and Bacon represent a tradition of American global leadership grounded in respect for the institutions of democracy, for free and fair elections, and for constructive engagement. They recognize that the cause of freedom doesn't have a party affiliation. Their conversation will be an important affirmation of those shared principles."

Event Details
Charles T. Manatt Democracy Award
Monday, November 30, 2026
5:00–7:30 PM
Patterson Mansion, Washington, DC
Original announcement: https://www.ifes.org/news/ifes-honor-congressman-steny-hoyer Tickets and sponsorship package materials: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/iffes/event/2026ifesdemocracyaward/ 

Media Contact:
Jean Schindler
Director of Strategic Communications
International Foundation for Electoral Systems
[email protected]  | 202.350.6700
www.ifes.org

SOURCE International Foundation for Electoral Systems