NRCC introduces MAGA Majority initiative for the 2026 midterm elections

March 17, 2026

House GOP Launches Program for America First Candidates

The House Republican campaign arm is rolling out a new initiative aimed at boosting the next generation of America First candidates. This move is part of an effort to retain and potentially grow their congressional majorities in the upcoming midterm elections.

On Tuesday, the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) shared an initial list of Republican candidates associated with this MAGA majority, highlighting those competing in crucial battleground districts nationwide. This announcement first appeared on Fox News Digital.

This MAGA majority, previously called the Young Guns program in earlier election cycles, is unveiled as Republicans prepare resources to safeguard their slim majority in the midterms. Currently, Republicans hold control of the House by a slender margin of 218-214, and Democrats are just three seats away from flipping that majority.

“House Republicans are taking the initiative, and the MAGA majority represents the next generation of leaders who will help extend their majority into 2026,” stated NRCC Chairman Rep. Richard Hudson of North Carolina.

“From veterans and entrepreneurs to established conservative advocates and community leaders, these candidates are dedicated to enhancing border security, reducing costs, and fulfilling President Trump’s America First agenda,” Hudson added.

The NRCC plans to offer early backing, strategic resources, and increased visibility to these MAGA majority candidates as they seek to expand their impact and take the initiative in districts seen as vulnerable by Democrats.

However, the GOP is grappling with political challenges typical for a ruling party during midterm elections. Historically, the party in power tends to lose seats during these cycles, and current economic worries like persistent inflation compound the situation, alongside President Trump’s low approval ratings.

Despite these challenges, Republicans point out that the midterm elections require Democrats to defend many districts that Trump had won in 2024. They believe that “the MAGA majority is positioned to capitalize on this opportunity.”

The initial list of candidates in the MAGA majority includes:

Mike LiPetri, New York’s 3rd District – LiPetri, a former state representative, is a lawyer and businessman aiming to flip a pivotal Long Island seat.
Peter Oberacker, New York’s 19th District – Oberacker is a state senator, farmer, and small business owner with strong ties to upstate New York.
Tano Tijerina, Texas’ 28th District – A lifelong South Texan and Webb County judge, Tijerina is highlighted by the NRCC for his advocacy of border security.
Eric Flores, Texas’ 34th District – A former prosecutor and decorated Army veteran, Flores hails from the Rio Grande Valley.
Kevin Lincoln, California’s 13th District – A former mayor of Stockton and Marine Corps veteran, Lincoln is noted as a rising star in California’s Central Valley.
Paul LePage, Maine’s 2nd District – LePage, a former two-term governor in a district that Trump supported in three presidential campaigns, is seeking a congressional seat.
Jay Feeley, Arizona’s 1st District – Once a professional football player for the Arizona Cardinals, Feeley is also an NFL analyst and humanitarian.
Laurie Buckhout, North Carolina’s 1st District – Buckhout is a decorated Army veteran who served for 26 years.
Joe Mitchell, Iowa’s 2nd District – A former state representative and grassroots conservative organizer, Mitchell has ties to the Trump administration.

Meanwhile, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) is concentrating its efforts on 44 Republican-held districts in the midterm elections. Despite facing challenges in the polls, the Democratic Party remains motivated. They believe their focus on affordability can resonate with voters, especially following Trump’s significant win in the 2025 election amidst economic concerns.

DCCC Chairwoman Susan DelBene emphasized, “Voters are weary of unfulfilled promises from Republicans and are ready for change in Congress. Rising costs in healthcare, housing, and utilities are impacts of Republican policies favoring the affluent at the expense of working families.”

She predicted, “As we approach the midterm elections, Democrats will leverage a message of victory, strong candidates, and widespread public support to achieve a new Democratic House majority under Speaker Hakeem Jeffries.”