Keep an eye out, young Republicans. MaverickPAC has named its 40 Under 40 and the future looks bright.
MavPAC’s — formally known as MaverickPAC — inaugural list honors movers and shakers from a variety of industries, including politics, entrepreneurship, business and elected officials.
“What better way than to honor some of our friends and peers who have really done outstanding things in their professional fields,” Jay Zeidman, co-chair of MavPAC, told Red Alert Politics.
After receiving more than 200 nominations from MavPAC’s 20 chapters from across the country, the organization’s members voted on those would be named to the 40 Under 40 list.
“These are people who their peers decided — based on their knowledge of who these individuals are — and should receive this award,” he said. “They’ve made an impact and continue to make an impact.”
Though the winners were announced, they will be formally recognized at MavPAC’s annual conference in Miami, Fla., which features Gov. Jeb Bush (R), Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) and Florida Speaker of the House Will Weatherford (R).
“I have an appreciation for organizations that highlight the youngest members of the party, especially the GOP and conservative activists under 40,” Lisa Stickan, chairwoman of the Young Republican National Federation and a member of the 40 Under 40 list, told RAP. “We’re not even the future of the party, we’re the now of the party. I am humbled to be on that list with great people.”
And Stickan is in good company. Fellow 40 Under 40 members include Rep. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Girls Guide to Guns Chief Executive Officer Natalie Foster and Weatherford.
Though the list honors prominent young Republicans active within the party, Zeidman said the 40 Under 40 are also individuals who reach out to fellow Millennials and motivate them to become involved.
“They all represent the new Republican brand of giving a voice to young people,” he said. “Young people represent and span the ideological spectrum. … It takes a lot of hard work to earn the status they have.”
Led by Zeidman and George P. Bush, MaverickPAC started in 2004. The organization aims to give young, professional Republicans access to the party’s political playmakers, while contributing to conservative campaigns.
Now with more than 3,500 members across the country, this group of leaders hopes to see these 40 Under 40 continue to achieve and follow the American dream — while advocating for young Republicans.
“They’ve already achieved a lot in their young life,” Zeidman said. “They all represent a fresh face and perspective. They’re people stepping up and giving their time and energy to speak out about issues they’re passionate about.”
And with leaders like Cotton and fellow 40 Under 40 member Rep. Aaron Shock (R-Ill.) leading the charge for young Republicans, Zeidman is confident the future of the GOP looks bright.
“They understand young people need to be involved and they’re using their status to reach young people and motivate them,” he said. “All these folks are humble enough to know the recognition is great but we still have a lot of work to do.”
