As Republicans work to hold and expand their narrow House majority ahead of this year’s midterm elections, the party’s campaign arm is rolling out a new initiative aimed at elevating a slate of Trump-aligned candidates.
The National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) on Tuesday announced its first group of contenders under the “MAGA Majority” program, which highlights Republican candidates competing in key battleground districts nationwide. The announcement was first shared with Fox News Digital.
The MAGA Majority program, previously known as the “Young Guns” initiative in earlier cycles, is part of a broader GOP effort to defend its slim 218–214 advantage in the House. Democrats need a net gain of just three seats in the midterms to reclaim control of the chamber.
“House Republicans are on offense, and the MAGA Majority is the next wave of leaders who will help us expand our majority in 2026,” NRCC Chair Rep. Richard Hudson of North Carolina said in a statement.
Hudson added, “From veterans and job creators to proven conservative fighters and local leaders, these candidates are stepping up to secure the border, lower costs, and deliver on President Trump’s America First agenda.”
According to the NRCC, candidates selected for the MAGA Majority will receive early backing, strategic resources, and increased visibility as Republicans seek to compete in districts they view as vulnerable for Democrats.
The GOP faces traditional midterm headwinds, as the party in power typically loses seats. Republicans are also navigating a challenging political environment shaped by ongoing economic concerns, including persistent inflation, as well as President Trump’s underwater approval ratings.
Still, Republicans point to opportunities on the electoral map. Democrats will be defending more than a dozen districts that Trump carried in the 2024 presidential election, and the NRCC argues that “the MAGA Majority is designed to capitalize on that opportunity.”
The initial MAGA Majority roster includes:
- Mike LiPetri (New York’s 3rd District), a former state lawmaker, attorney, and businessman aiming to flip a competitive Long Island seat
- Peter Oberacker (New York’s 19th District), a state senator, farmer, and small business owner with strong ties to upstate New York
- Tano Tijerina (Texas’ 28th District), a Webb County judge highlighted as a border security advocate
- Eric Flores (Texas’ 34th District), a decorated Army veteran and former prosecutor from the Rio Grande Valley
- Kevin Lincoln (California’s 13th District), former Stockton mayor and Marine, described by the NRCC as a rising Republican figure
- Paul LePage (Maine’s 2nd District), a former two-term governor running in a district Trump has carried in all three of his presidential campaigns
- Jay Feely (Arizona’s 1st District), a former NFL player, analyst, and humanitarian
- Laurie Buckhout (North Carolina’s 1st District), a 26-year Army veteran and Gulf War veteran
- Joe Mitchell (Iowa’s 2nd District), a former state representative, Trump administration veteran, and conservative grassroots organizer
Meanwhile, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) is targeting 44 Republican-held districts as it looks to flip the House.
Democrats remain energized despite broader polling challenges. They point to strong performances in 2025 elections and a series of special election overperformances since Trump returned to the White House, driven in part by a focus on affordability issues amid ongoing inflation.
“Democrats are on offense, and our map reflects the fact that everyday Americans are tired of Republicans’ broken promises and ready for change in Congress,” DCCC Chair Suzan DelBene said in a statement. “Healthcare, housing, groceries, energy bills — they are all going up, and it’s directly because of Republican policies that favor the wealthiest few while leaving hardworking families behind.”
DelBene added, “Going into the midterms, Democrats have the winning message, top-tier candidates, and the public on our side, paving the way for a new Democratic House Majority under the leadership of a Speaker Hakeem Jeffries.”
