Five Republican contenders to watch in the election race this year

As the Republican National Convention brings its message to voters this week, it's key to note that more than just the executive office is up for election. All 435 seats in the House of Representatives are up for election this November.

If the Republicans are to take back the House, the party would need to win 20 seats away from the Democrats. In the Senate, 35 seats are up for grabs.

State legislative chambers will be having elections, but certain states will be holding elections for governor, attorney general, and lieutenant governor. Republicans are hoping to expand their influence in these states.

The 2018 midterm elections were filled with new star Democratic candidates. The 2020 election cycle is shaping up to have new prominent Republican candidates. Here are five Republican candidates who should win their seats in the 2020 election cycle.

Daniel Gade

Daniel Gade is the Republican candidate for Virginia senator. Gade is a retired US Army lieutenant colonel, professor, and public policy adviser.

People should vote for Gade because he had a distinguished military career. He had more than 20 years of military service, which saw him awarded the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star, and two Purple Hearts.

Gade has overcome major adversity. He lost his right leg while serving in the Iraq War in 2004. More than 40 surgeries were required to fix his leg, but he was determined to overcome the obstacles he was faced with.

He is committed to limited government. He wants to reign in government overreach and return the United States of America to constitutional government.

The Cook Political Report rates Gade's race against incumbent Democratic Virginia Senator Mark Warner as a solid Democratic win. US President Donald Trump lost Virginia by a narrow 5.4 per cent in the 2016 US presidential election, so it would be realistic to say Gade has a chance.

Alek Skarlatos

Alek Skarlatos is the Republican candidate for representative for Oregon's 4th congressional district. Skarlatos is a former Oregon National Guardsman.

Skarlatos deserves to win his race because he is a hero. He and four other people took down an armed terrorist on a train travelling from Amsterdam to Paris in 2015. The incident was made into a book, The 15:17 to Paris: The True Story of a Terrorist, a Train, and Three American Heroes by Anthony Sadler, Alek Skarlatos, Spencer Stone, and Jeffrey E. Stern, and a movie, The 15:17 to Paris.

Former US president Barack Obama awarded him the United States Soldier's Medal for his heroism. France expressed its gratitude to him by giving him the Chevalier Medal of the Legion of Honour and the Medal of the City of Arras, France.

He said he hopes to strengthen the timber industry in southwestern Oregon. He said improving timber management will maintain healthy forests and build a strong economy.

The Cook Political Report rates Skarlatos' race against incumbent Democratic Rep. Peter DeFazio as a likely Democratic win. There was an even partisan index in the 2016 US presidential election, which shows the district is open to electing a Republican representative.

Mark Robinson

Mark Robinson is the Republican candidate for North Carolina lieutenant governor. Robinson is a former medical specialist in the Army Reserves, manufacturer, and small business owner.

Robinson would be a great North Carolina lieutenant governor because he is bold. He gave a passionate speech about gun rights to Greensboro, NC, City Council in 2018. The speech criticized how politicians go after law-abiding gun owners rather than criminals.

He is an American patriot. After all, he wants to ensure the USA continues to thrive.

He said he will be a fierce fighter for the Second Amendment. He is going to ensure North Carolinians are able to defend themselves with their guns.

A poll from Cardinal Political Analytics done in July found Robinson leads Democratic candidate Yvonne Lewis Holley by 3.9 percent. He should continue to work hard to maintain this lead.

Madison Cawthorn

Madison Cawthorn is the Republican candidate for representative for North Carolina's 11th congressional district. Cawthorn is the owner and CEO of a real estate investment company and a motivational speaker.

Cawthorn should be elected because he would set a precedent. He would be among the youngest people ever elected to the House of Representatives. He would show people that young conservatives are a growing influence in American politics.

His life was altered when he was left paralyzed by a car accident, but he overcame it. This experience built his faith, fuelled his determination, made him appreciate every day, and inspired him to help people.

Cawthorn is for expanding choice and competition in the health care system. He said in an interview with the Washington Examiner that he "would like to be the face of the Republican Party when it comes to health care."

The Cook Political Report rates Cawthorn's race against Democratic candidate Moe Davis as a likely Republican win. There is a high probability he will win this election.

Burgess Owens

Burgess Owens is the Republican candidate for representative for Utah’s 4th congressional district. Owens is a retired football player and non-profit founder.

Owens should be elected because he is dedicated. His dedication helped the Oakland Raiders win the 1980 Super Bowl. The non-profit he founded, Second Chance 4 Youth, sees him mentor troubled and at-risk youth and motivates them to do better.

His celebrity status would make him influential in the House of Representatives. People would listen to him, because they view him as honourable.

Owens said he supports low taxes. He has signed the Taxpayer Protection Pledge, a written agreement created by Americans for Tax Reform to oppose any and all tax increases.

The Cook Political Report rates Owens' race against incumbent Democratic Rep. Ben McAdams as a toss up. The partisan index for the district is R +13, which means Owens could be elected.