Here's the press release from the National Republican Congressional Committee:

Mark Meadows Achieves ‘Young Gun’ Status
North Carolina Republican Candidate Establishes Effective, Winning Campaign

Washington --- The National Republican Congressional Committee today announced that Mark Meadows has reached ‘Young Gun’ status, the top tier of the Committee’s four-level ‘Young Gun’ recruitment program. Founded during the 2007-2008 election cycle by Reps. Eric Cantor (R-VA), Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) and Paul Ryan (R-WI), the ‘Young Guns’ program is a Member-driven effort that is the primary method for recruiting strong candidates for both open-seat and challenger races. Meadows is running for North Carolina’s open 11th Congressional District.

“Mark Meadows has met a series of rigorous goals that will put him in position to win on Election Day,” said NRCC Chairman Pete Sessions (R-TX). “The momentum behind his campaign is proof-positive that North Carolinians are fed up with President Obama’s policies that spend too much, tax too much and borrow too much at the expense of hard-working families. Mark Meadows is leading the pack as Republicans continue to send a loud and clear message that we will hold Democrats accountable for their unpopular partisan agenda.”

The ‘Young Guns’ program encourages candidates who have proven their ability to meet crucial campaign benchmarks to develop their campaigns further in order to achieve victory on Election Day. In achieving ‘Young Gun’ status, Mark Meadows has met organizational and fundraising benchmarks and has established himself as a strong contender. Meadows has reached the fourth and final step by establishing a clear path to victory through his ability to build a formidable campaign structure and achieve important goals and benchmarks.

A small business owner and development company founder, Mark Meadows looks to bring his experience creating jobs and reducing government to Congress. Meadows has served as Party Precinct Chair, Precinct Judge, County Party Chairman and on the Republican Party Executive Committee. He is known in his community for his commitment and active involvement in his family’s church, where he has served as an Elder and Adult Sunday School Teacher. A conservative leader, Meadows is a firm believer that the role of the federal government should be a limited one