The American Conservative Union has announced the 10 conservatives under the age of 40 selected to speak at CPAC this year, as part of its “renewed focus on young leaders.”
In a continuous effort to reach out to youth and “ensure that [young leaders] have the tools that they need to succeed,” 2014 is the second year that the ACU has scheduled young, rising political figures to speak as part of the “10 Under 40.”
Last year, ACU Chairman Al Cardenas announced that the organization would be introducing “10 conservative elected leaders under age of 40 from across the nation” at the conference. This fit the 2013 conference theme, “America’s Future: The Next Generation of Conservatives. New Challenges, Timeless Principles.”
This year’s “10 Under 40” speakers include:
The Honorable Jim Banks
State Senator, Indiana Senate
Jim Banks was elected to the Indiana Senate in 2010, and received a ‘Defender of Liberty’ ranking from the ACU in its 2013 state legislator ratings. He was the only Indiana state Senate to receive that distinction. Banks has worked in business development and commercial real estate for the past 10 years. He lives in Columbia City with his wife and three daughters.
The Honorable Lee Zeldin
State Senator, New York Senate
Lee Zeldin was elected to the state Senate in 2010. In 2004, he was the youngest attorney in New York to be sworn into the New York State Bar, at the age of 23. Lee also served in the U.S. Army, being deployed to Iraq in 2006 as part of the 82nd Airborne Division. Lee lives in Shirley with his wife and twin daughters.
The Honorable Jose Felix Diaz
State Representative, Florida House of Representatives
Jose Feliz Diaz is a practicing attorney who was elected to the Florida House of Representatives in 2010. He was given the ACU rating of “Defender of Liberty” in 2011, 2012 and 2013. Diaz has received numerous award, including being recognized by Super Lawyers magazine as a Rising Star for four consecutive years. He lives in Miami-Dade County with his wife and two kids.
The Honorable Jenna Haggar
State Representative, South Dakota House of Representatives
Jenna Haggar is president of Vashti Media, which helps businesses with growth and marketing strategies. In the South Dakota House, she serves on the Health & Human Services committees and is Vice-Chair of the Education committee. She is also a strong defender of the rights of unborn babies. Haggar lives in Sioux Falls.
The Honorable Tara Mack
State Representative, Minnesota House of Representatives
Tara Mack was elected to the state legislature in 2008, but she also serves on the Minnesota Autism Task Force and both the Apple Valley and Burnsville Chambers of Commerce. A lifelong Minnesota resident, she and her husband live in Apple Valley with their two kids.
The Honorable Justin Pierce
State Representative, Arizona House of Representatives
Justin Pierce, who is employed as a lawyer, is a state representative in the Arizona House and is currently running for Arizona Secretary of State. He has authored numerous articles on employment law and has volunteered with Georgetown Domestic Violence Clinic and the Boy Scouts of America. Pierce and his wife have five children.
Dan Bongino
Candidate for U.S. Congress, Maryland
Dan Bongino has served as a New York City police officer and U.S. Secret Service agent — including being named to President George W. Bush and President Barack Obama’s protective details. Bongino lost his U.S. Senate bid in 2012, but is running for Congress in 2014. Bongino and his wife reside in Severna Park with their two kids.
Carlos Curbelo
Candidate for U.S. Congress, Florida
Carlos Curbelo founded his public relations firm Capitol Gains in 2002, when he was just fresh out of college. He has served on the Miami Dade County School Board and was selected for the Governor’s Education Transition Team. Curbelo, his wife and their two kids reside in Kendall.
Erika Harold
Candidate for U.S. Congress, Illinois
Erika Harold competed for the title of Miss America in 2003, in order to secure the scholarship money to attend law school. She won, and spent her title-holding year advocating for organizations and causes that fight childhood bullying. Harold serves on the board of Prison Fellowship and works as a lawyer.
The Honorable Steve Montenegro
State Representative, Arizona House of Representatives
Steve Montenegro was has been serving Arizona since 2008. His primary issues include education, government transparency, protecting Second Amendment rights, and fiscal responsibility. Montenegro arrived in the U.S. from El Salvador when he was four when his family immigrated to the United States.
**Updated The Honorable Steve Montenegro spoke as a 10 under 40 honoree, not Benji Backer**
