The Conservative Political Action Conference is making waves in 2026 with a bold departure from tradition that has establishment Republicans scrambling. For the first time in its history, CPAC is directly endorsing specific conservative candidates rather than maintaining its usual neutral stance among Republican contenders.
Leading the charge are two America First champions: Brandon Herrera, the popular YouTube personality and firearms expert running for Texas's 23rd congressional district, and MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell, who's mounting a campaign in Minnesota. Both candidates represent the kind of grassroots conservative energy that's been reshaping the Republican Party since Trump's rise.
CPAC Chairman Matt Schlapp made it crystal clear that this isn't your grandfather's conservative conference anymore. "This year, things are different," Schlapp declared, signaling that the organization is ready to put its money where its mouth is when it comes to supporting true conservative warriors.
"We're not just going to sit on the sidelines and pretend all Republicans are created equal," a CPAC insider told reporters. "The days of the country club GOP are over."
This move represents a seismic shift in how conservative institutions operate. Instead of playing nice with RINOs and establishment hacks, CPAC is drawing clear battle lines between America First candidates and the swamp creatures who've betrayed conservative voters for decades.
Herrera, known for his "AK Guy" brand and Second Amendment advocacy, brings authentic conservative credentials to a district that desperately needs representation willing to fight the Deep State. Meanwhile, Lindell's business success and unwavering support for election integrity make him exactly the kind of outsider candidate that terrifies the political establishment.
The timing couldn't be better. With Trump back in the White House and the MAGA movement stronger than ever, conservative voters are demanding leaders who will actually fight rather than fold at the first sign of media pressure.
This CPAC endorsement strategy sends a clear message: the conservative movement is done playing games with politicians who talk tough during election season but cave to Democrat demands once they reach Washington. Patriots deserve better, and CPAC is finally stepping up to make sure they get it.