As ballots for the 2026 National Rifle Association Board of Directors election begin hitting mailboxes with the February issues of American Rifleman and American Hunter, the gun rights community finds itself at a critical crossroads. After years of turbulence from financial scandals to leadership shakeups, the 2026 election isn’t just about filling seats. It’s about rebuilding trust, restoring purpose, and redefining the NRA’s role in defending the Second Amendment.
Recently, Timothy Knight, an NRA whistleblower and former board member, released an endorsement list for the upcoming election, urging members to rally behind a slate of candidates they vouch for personally. This endorsement list isn’t just a collection of names. It’s a call to action from someone who says they stood for accountability when others didn’t.
AmmoLand will break down those endorsements, explore why they could matter, and highlight the broader reform movement shaping this year’s fight for the NRA’s future.
Knight’s Endorsement: Courage, Integrity, and Trust
In a passionate Facebook post, former board member Timothy Knight laid out their endorsed candidates for three-year Board seats, emphasizing personal knowledge, trust, and shared experience in defending the Second Amendment. The nine endorsed individuals are:
- Robert Beckman — Cincinnati, OH
- Charlie Brown — Dayton, OH
- Richard Todd Figard — Wadsworth, OH
- Jacqueline Janes — Mesa, AZ
- Jerry Kraus — Craig, CO
- James W. Porter II — Birmingham, AL
- Amanda Suffecool — Wayland, OH
- Todd Vandermyde — Yorkville, IL
- Huey Laugesen — Colorado Springs, CO
The whistleblower stressed that every name on this list is someone they’ve had meaningful conversations with or worked alongside in the field — people they believe have the character and resolve necessary to help lead the NRA forward. By contrast, they advise NRA members to leave two incumbents, Walker and Sisco, off their ballots, arguing that those directors failed to challenge management narratives and lacked the courage to confront financial red flags that damaged the organization’s reputation.
Knight also explicitly stated they aren’t opposed to other candidates on the ballot. The candidates receiving endorsements are those he has personally vetted.
Why This Election Is So Important
The 2026 board election comes at a time when the NRA is rebuilding after years of internal strife, legal battles, and criticism over governance and financial transparency. The organization’s transformation has already begun under a new generation of leaders who often refer to themselves as “NRA 2.0”, a reform movement focused on restoring member confidence, reinforcing the core mission, and shoring up organizational stability.
Reform candidates have been featured alongside ballots in recent member mailings, encouraging voting members to support a slate of directors committed to accountability, structured governance, and clear advocacy.
Another sign of the NRA’s turbulent recent history is a lawsuit the organization filed against its own charitable affiliate, the NRA Foundation, alleging misuse of trademarks and donor funds by former allies. This lawsuit highlights how deep some of the internal fractures have grown, and why many members are eager for leaders who prioritize transparency and mission above internal politics.
“Bullet Voting” Explained
In his endorsement message, Knight promotes a strategy known as “bullet voting.” This involves intentionally voting for fewer than the maximum number of candidates allowed — in this case, concentrating votes on a smaller, preferred slate rather than spreading them across 25 or more names. The logic is straightforward: by clustering votes around a core group, supporters can help ensure those candidates receive higher total votes and secure longer three-year terms. This can amplify the influence of reform-oriented directors and help shape the board’s direction for years to come.
Your Voice and Your Vote
For every NRA voting member, the message is clear: your ballot matters perhaps more than ever. Given the historically low turnout in past Board elections, even a small, engaged voting bloc can significantly influence outcomes. This year, the choice isn’t just about directors; it’s about the future of one of the nation’s oldest and most influential Second Amendment advocacy organizations.
When you receive your ballot, take the time to review candidate bios, consider endorsements like the one above, and vote in a way that reflects your priorities for defending gun rights, enhancing transparency, and sharpening the NRA’s focus on its constitutional mission.
2026 NRA Board Member Update: Elections, Board Meeting, & More
NRA Board Bullet Voting , What is it? Why Do It On Your NRA Member Ballot
About Duncan Johnson:
Duncan Johnson is a lifelong firearms enthusiast and a strong defender of the Second Amendment, where “shall not be infringed” means exactly what it says. A graduate of George Mason University, he enjoys competing in local USPSA and multi-gun competitions whenever he’s not covering the latest in gun rights and firearm policy. Duncan is a regular contributor to AmmoLand News and serves as part of the editorial team responsible for AmmoLand’s daily gun-rights reporting and industry coverage.
