CPAC Endorses Herrera, Lindell in High Stakes 2026 Races

CPAC 2026 took a different tack: organizers moved from cheerleading to direct endorsements. The conference put several conservative candidates on stage and made clear they will actively back campaigns that align with core Republican priorities. That shift was framed as a move away from talk and toward tangible action, with an emphasis on Second Amendment defense, border security, and fiscal conservatism. The slate included local insurgents, business leaders, and activists running for governor and Congress in competitive states.

CPAC chairman Matt Schlapp signaled the change in tone in plain terms, saying the event would get involved in campaigns and push for candidates who do more than promise. The endorsed lineup reflected that strategy, showcasing both newcomers and established activists running in pivotal races. Candidates presented themselves as anti-establishment proponents of conservative values and argued the GOP must be disciplined and engaged to win. The mood in the hall was energized, with a focus on winning back power at state and federal levels.

The roster of CPAC-endorsed candidates included Former NY Lt. Governor Betsy McCaughey for Governor of Connecticut, Brandon Herrera for U.S. Congress in Texas District 23, Air Force Lt. Colonel (Ret.) David Flippo for Nevada’s 2nd District, HUD Great Plains Regional Director Joe Mitchell for Iowa’s 2nd District, MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell for Governor of Minnesota, and Former Florida State Rep. Rick Roth for Florida State Senate. Each candidate used the stage to underline themes of economic freedom, secure borders, and constitutional rights. They framed their candidacies as part of a broader push to restore common-sense governance and push back against woke policies.

Brandon Herrera’s story drew particular attention as a grassroots insurgent who forced a runoff in TX-23 against embattled incumbent Tony Gonzales. Herrera described his campaign as a reaction to a congressman out of step with conservative voters on the Second Amendment and border control. He recalled how establishment forces poured money into the race and how his team countered with grassroots energy and voter engagement. Herrera framed his victory as a sign that conservative voters can overcome establishment pressure and win.

“This is incredible. This is honestly incredible. If you had told me three years ago that my life would have gone in the direction that would have led to me speaking at CPAC, I would have told you to get back on your medication.”

Herrera emphasized he is a regular small-business owner who ran because of policy disagreements and local concerns. He recounted establishment opposition and said the campaign survived massive spending and pressure. Herrera highlighted endorsements and momentum, referencing support from conservative leaders. He presented the race as vital for keeping Texas conservative and for the larger House majority.

“At the end of the day, I’m just a regular guy. I’m a 30-year-old business owner in my district who was unhappy with the way that his congressman was voting. We needed somebody who is strong on the Second Amendment, somebody who is strong for Republican values, somebody who is strong on the border in the biggest border district in the country, and we didn’t have one. So, I stepped up and we had all of the big guns of the establishment pointed directly at us. They came after us with millions and millions of dollars, all of the pressure the establishment could possibly throw at someone. I wouldn’t recommend it by the way.

“But this cycle, we won. We beat Tony Gonzales in TX-23. And it is the honor of my life to stand before you as the Republican nominee for TX District 23.”

The campaign narrative for Herrera gained further force with high-profile endorsements from conservative leaders. He told the audience that leadership backing helped validate the grassroots movement and energize volunteers. That combination of outsider energy and insider backing was touted as a model for other districts where conservative activists aim to unseat incumbents. Herrera urged supporters not to become complacent and to keep mobilizing voters.

“And not only are we endorsed by leadership, not only are we endorsed by some of the most conservative people in the United States Congress, we are now endorsed by the 45th and 47th President of the United States Donald Trump. And anyone who tells you that Texas isn’t energized, they’re crazy.”

Mike Lindell, running for Minnesota governor, described being sidelined by mainstream media and targeted during the COVID years, and he credited CPAC with giving him a platform. He appealed to the crowd to amplify his message and outlined a campaign that relies on rallies and direct outreach. Lindell positioned himself as a fighter who has faced economic and reputational attacks and now seeks statewide office to push back against left-wing control. He asked activists to help spread the word about his bid.

“You wouldn’t even know I’m running. The media there, they understand me, I use them to attack. They’re not even attacking me. I need CPAC once again, I need you guys to get the word out. It’s MikeLindellGov.com. MikeLindellGov.com. I need your support and help to get the word out that I’m running, I’m following our great president’s campaign strategy, I’m doing rallies all over Minnesota in spite of them. And with your voice and through CPAC’s voice, we’ll get the word out, and I have a path to win Minnesota.”

Joe Mitchell, Iowa’s 2nd District candidate, pledged to reject corporate PAC money and argued for term limits and a crackdown on insider trading. He framed his stance as restoring integrity to Washington by cutting ties to big finance and special interests. Mitchell pointed to endorsements from congressional conservatives as evidence his message resonates beyond Iowa. His pitch focused on generational change and ethical reform in elected office.

Betsy McCaughey promised to push Connecticut toward fiscal conservatism with a proposal to eliminate the state income tax, invoking historical language to rally supporters. David Flippo highlighted his military service and warned against electing Republicans who vote for policies he called out as concessions to the left. Rick Roth closed the forum with a pledge to help keep Florida red while thanking conservative state and national leaders. The CPAC endorsements made clear the conference is betting on fighters who promise to act, not just talk.