CAMARILLO, CA - Senator Tony Strickland, a candidate for Congress in California’s open 26th Congressional District, was named a “Young Gun” today by the National Republican Congressional Committee.

Strickland is joined by only five other candidates for open seats in receiving top billing by the NRCC. The “Young Gun” distinction is awarded to candidates who meet a series of exacting benchmarks and demonstrate a campaign organization at the elite level of American politics.

“I’m excited that my campaign continues to build momentum,” said Strickland. “While the support of respected national leaders is humbling, we will continue to base our campaign on uniting our community behind economic policies that provide opportunities for families struggling to make ends meet.”

“Tony Strickland has met a series of rigorous goals that will put him in position to win on Election Day,” said Congressman Pete Sessions, Chairman of the NRCC. “The momentum behind his campaign is proof-positive that Americans are fed up with President Obama who continues to spend too much, tax too much and borrow too much at the expense of hard-working families.”

California’s 26th Congressional district is rated by the respected Cook Political Report, Rothenberg Political Report and Larry Sabato’s “Crystal Ball” as a true “toss-up” race. Strickland begins the campaign with a large advantage having already represented every part of the Congressional District during his service in the State Assembly and State Senate.

In the first financial reporting quarter of the year, Strickland raised $781,000 and boasts a nearly three-to-one advantage over his nearest competitor. His first quarter total counts as one of the best financial quarters in an open seat in United States history.

State Senator Tony Strickland was elected to the California State Senate representing parts of Ventura, Los Angeles and Santa Barbara Counties in 2008. He previously served the area as a member of the State Assembly from 1998 to 2004. He is married to his wife of 14 years, Audra. Together they have two small children: Ruby Ruth and Anthony Paul.