The National Republican Congressional Committee announced its initial list of 26 candidates for the 2024 Young Guns program, including three GOP challengers in Pennsylvania – state Rep. Ryan Mackenzie, Rob Bresnahan and state Rep. Rob Mercuri.

“Extreme House Democrats’ border, crime and cost of living crises wrecked Americans’ safety and security,” said NRCC Chairman Richard Hudson. “Fortunately, these Republican candidates are already well on their way to running winning campaigns that will grow our House majority in November.”

Mackenzie is challenging Rep. Susan Wild (D-07) in the Lehigh Valley, while Bresnahan is taking on Rep. Matt Cartwright (D-08) in the northeastern portion of the Commonwealth. Mercuri is facing Rep. Chris Deluzio (D-17) in Allegheny County.

“I’m very happy to be included among this year’s “Young Guns,” said Mackenzie. “The race for this seat is becoming more competitive and more important by the day.”

“If Northeastern Pennsylvania was San Francisco, Congressman Cartwright would be the perfect member of Congress. I’m running to give #PA08 the representation it deserves,” said Bresnahan.

“I’m thrilled to be listed as a Young Gun most likely to flip a seat from blue to red,” said Mercuri. “PA-17 is rated as one of the likeliest seats to flip this November, and with less than 100 days to go, we are more ready than ever to win!”

The Young Gun  in in races across the country and works to provide them with the necessary tools to run successful, winning campaigns against their Democratic opponents.

The program requires candidates to work towards specific goals and meet benchmarks throughout the election cycle to ensure their campaigns remain competitive, well-funded and communicative within their districts.

In addition to Mackenzie, Bresnahan and Mercuri, Young Gun candidates include:

Nancy Dahlstrom (AK-AL)
Caroleene Dobson (AL-02)
Kevin Lincoln (CA-09)
Scott Baugh (CA-47)
Matt Gunderson (CA-49)
Jeff Hurd (CO-03)
Gabe Evans (CO-08)
George Logan (CT-05)
Joe McGraw (IL-17)
Randy Niemeyer (IN-01)
Prasanth Reddy (KS-03)
Austin Theriault (ME-02)
Tom Barrett (MI-07)
Joe Teirab (MN-02)
Laurie Buckhout (NC-01)
Yvette Herrell (NM-02)
John Lee (NV-04)
Alison Esposito (NY-18)
Derek Merrin (OH-09)
Kevin Coughlin (OH-13)
Monique DeSpain (OR-04)
Mayra Flores (TX-34)
Derrick Anderson (VA-07)