Van Tran Reaches ‘Contender’ Status

Washington– The National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) announced today that California State Assemblyman Van Tran (CA-47) has reached ‘Contender’ status as part of its Young Guns program. ‘Contender’ status is the second step in the three-level program. Tran now faces a new set of benchmarks to reach ‘Young Gun’ status in his bid to represent California’s 47th Congressional District. After winning a tough primary on June 8, he now enters the general election campaign against two-term incumbent Loretta Sanchez, a constant rubber-stamp to the reckless Democrat spending agenda, voting with her party 97.8 percent of the time.

Founded in the 2007-2008 election cycle by Reps. Eric Cantor (R-VA), Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) and Paul Ryan (R-WI), the Young Guns program is a member-driven organization dedicated to electing open-seat and challenger candidates nationwide. By achieving ‘Contender’ status, Tran has already demonstrated his ability to build a successful campaign structure and achieve vital fundraising goals.

“Van Tran has already proven that he will be a formidable candidate by meeting the rigorous goals of the Young Guns program, and is well on his way to building a winning campaign that will put this seat back in the Republican column,” said NRCC Chairman Pete Sessions (R-TX). “Van is part of a strong and growing pool of candidates who are frustrated with the Democrat majority’s big-government ways and aren’t willing to stand by any longer. The success of his campaign has put congressional Democrats on notice that Americans are ready to turn the page on the failed experiment known as the Obama-Pelosi agenda.”

In 2004, Van Tran won an historic election, becoming the first Vietnamese-American to serve in any state legislature. During his service in the 68th district of the California State Assembly, Tran brought common-sense solutions to some of the biggest problems facing California. He fought for the expansion of Enterprise Zones to spur job creation, while simultaneously helping to save California $5 million annually by balancing the budget, restraining government spending and eliminating waste in the bureaucracy. In the State Assembly, Tran has fought tirelessly to ensure the safety of Orange County families by supporting Jessica’s Law, Megan’s Law and the Three Strikes policy. Prior to his election, he was a managing partner of his own law practice and served as the Vice-Mayor of Garden Grove. Tran and his wife Cyndi have two children, Alex and Sophie.

Van Tran now faces a new set of rigorous goals that will elevate him to the top level of the Young Guns program and help him build a competitive, effective and winning campaign.

For more information, click here.