The political arm of the moderate New Democrat Coalition is endorsing its first 16 candidates Friday. 

The NewDemPAC will give each candidate the maximum contribution ($5,000) for the primary, with more contributions expected for the general election. The 16 endorsed candidates, shared first with Roll Call, are all running in GOP-held or open seats. 

The PAC put 12 Democratic challengers on its Candidate Watch List in September, adding another 10 in November. The list which includes candidates running in the same district, is a way for the group to get involved in races earlier than it previously has. It will be adding additional candidates to its watch list and making more full endorsements later this year.

The PAC said its initial 16 endorsees had all “shown a commitment to the pro-growth, forward-thinking mindset” of New Democrat Coalition members, of whom there are currently 60 in Congress. The endorsed candidates are:

• Former Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick (AZ-02)
• Greg Stanton (AZ-09)
• Dave Min (CA-45)
• Lauren Baer (FL-18)
• Paul Davis (KS-02)
• Angie Craig (MN-02)
• Dan McCready (NC-09)
• Former Rep. Brad Ashford (NE-02)
• Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11)
• Max Rose (NY-11)
• Anthony Brindisi (NY-22)
• Susie Lee (NV-03)
• Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06)
• Ben McAdams (UT-04)
• RD Huffstetler (VA-05)
• Dan Kohl (WI-06)

“We believe these candidates have what it takes to win in November and, just as important, make substantive contributions when they get here,” NewDemPAC political director Jon Boughtin said in a statement.

“Excitement is building behind these candidates as they introduce themselves to voters and define the issues that matter in their districts. They have our full support, and we look forward to working with them throughout the year as they continue to gain momentum,” he added. 

Last cycle, NewDemPAC contributed about $1 million to federal candidates and it expects to give out at least that much this cycle. The group ended February with $584,000.

Watch: Behind the Scenes of Race Ratings — The Candidate Interview