Republican state Assemblyman Van Tran, who was recruited to run for California’s 47th District, has been included in the National Republican Congressional Committee’s “Young Guns” program, and posted $254,000 raised through June 30.

But Republican Quang X. Pham says he has no plans to give Tran a free pass in the primary.

“We’re fundraising. We’re going to events. We’re meeting with officials. We’re doing everything that we believe could show supporters, donors, and voters that I am a viable candidate for that district,” said Pham, an author, entrepreneur and Marine veteran.

Pham has already begun adding personal funds to his campaign, which he expects to meet its goal of $250,000 raised through Sept. 30, the end of the next fundraising quarter.