The National Republican Congressional Committee today announced its first round of Young Guns — candidates who have reached the highest tier of the committee’s recruitment and candidate support program.

The candidates are a diverse group that includes two woman, one of whom is African-American; a man of Portuguese descent; an openly gay man and a Jewish man.

“These candidates have met a series of rigorous goals that will put them in position to win on Election Day,” NRCC Chairman Pete Sessions (Texas) said in a statement.

The candidates are:

• Veteran Jesse Kelly, running in the special election in Arizona’s 8th district
• Law student Ricky Gill, running California’s 9th district against Rep. Jerry McNerny (D)
• State Assemblyman David Valadao, running in California’s new 21st district
• State Sen. Tony Strickland, running in California’s open 26th district
• Businessman Jason Plummer, running in Illinois’ open 12th district
• Former state Rep. Jackie Walorski, running Indiana’s open 2nd district
• Attorney Andy Barr, running in Kentucky’s 6th district against Rep. Ben Chandler (D)
• Former state Sen. Richard Tisei, running in Massachusetts’ 6th district against Rep. John Tierney (D)
• Businessman Randy Altschuler, running in New York’s 1st district against Rep. Tim Bishop (D)
• Investment banker Matt Doheny, running in New York’s 21st district against Rep. Bill Owens (D)
• Attorney Keith Rothfus, running in Pennsylvania’s 12th district against Rep. Mark Critz (D)
• Saratoga Springs Mayor Mia Love, running in Utah’s 4th district against Rep. Jim Matheson (D)