“These candidates have worked hard to meet the benchmarks that have been laid out before them and are determined to hold Washington Democrats accountable this November,” said NRCC Chairman Pete Sessions (R-TX). “Middle-class families are tired of watching the Democrat majority spend this country deeper into recession while they have been forced to tighten their belts. With Americans desperate for change, these 23 candidates are determined to reign in reckless spending, cut taxes and return the economy back to a state of vitality.” 

Originally founded in the 2007-2008 election cycle by Reps. Eric Cantor (R-VA), Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) and Paul Ryan (R-WI) as a member-driven organization, the Young Guns program has become an official NRCC effort dedicated to electing open-seat and challenger candidates nationwide. Reps. Cantor, McCarthy and Ryan remain actively involved in the Young Guns program, working together to recruit and prime conservative leaders for victory.

After reaching the first and second step of the three-step program, these ‘On the Radar’ and ‘Contender’ candidates now face a new set of rigorous benchmarks that will continue to help them build competitive, effective and winning campaigns. 

The NRCC’s ‘On The Radar’ and ‘Contender’ Candidates Are:

On the Radar: