By Tony DeFalco
The National Rifle Association (NRA) is at a turning point. After years of controversy, including financial mismanagement and leadership issues, the organization is actively working to rebuild trust, strengthen its mission, and bring transparency back to its members. In a recent interview with American Outdoor News, I had the opportunity to speak with Amanda Suffecool and Marcus Kahn about the upcoming NRA Board of Directors election and the organization's path forward.
The departure of long-time NRA leader Wayne LaPierre marked a significant shift for the organization. As Amanda Suffecool pointed out, many members had adopted a “not one more dime” stance until LaPierre was gone. His resignation in 2023 was a catalyst for change, but the challenges went far beyond one individual. The NRA was embroiled in a high-profile lawsuit initiated by New York Attorney General Letitia James, whose objective was to dismantle the organization and redirect its funds to anti-gun groups like Everytown for Gun Safety and Moms Demand Action.
While the NRA successfully fought back and survived the legal battle, the aftermath left the organization depleted—financially and reputationally. “The NRA was fighting for its life,” Suffecool emphasized. During this time, marketing and member outreach came to a standstill, leaving the NRA largely silent from 2018 through 2025. This absence from the public eye contributed to a decline in membership and voter engagement.
The result? In the 2023 board election, out of 2.3 million eligible voters, only 77,000 cast their ballots—a dismal participation rate that underscored the need for greater member engagement. Suffecool stressed that if just 100,000 members vote in this year’s election, it could dramatically alter the trajectory of the NRA, paving the way for a stronger, more accountable organization.
Rebuilding Trust: A New Slate of Candidates for the NRA Board
To restore the NRA’s reputation and ensure its future viability, Suffecool and a coalition of advocates have curated a slate of 28 candidates for the upcoming election. These candidates come from diverse backgrounds, including military veterans, business leaders, compliance experts, and individuals with deep ties to Friends of NRA and grassroots advocacy.
“The goal is to run the NRA like a business, not a yacht club,” Suffecool remarked. This new slate of candidates is committed to restoring financial transparency, bolstering membership engagement, and ensuring that the NRA remains a powerful voice for the Second Amendment. The board operates on a three-year cycle, meaning that replacing a third of the board this year could set the stage for a full transformation within three election cycles.
Suffecool urged members to visit www.electanewnra.com to view candidate bios, review the slate, and make informed voting decisions. “We need people to vote for 28 names—26 on the ballot and two write-ins. This is how we change the future,” she said.
Advocacy, Accountability, and the Future of the NRA
Despite the NRA’s internal struggles, the organization has continued to play a crucial role in defending Second Amendment rights. Suffecool highlighted the NRA’s involvement in key legal battles, including the landmark Bruen case and the recent Vullo case, which upheld First Amendment rights for the NRA after it was targeted by New York regulators. However, these efforts have gone largely unnoticed by members due to the lack of communication and outreach over the past several years.
Looking ahead, the NRA’s focus will be on revitalizing membership, increasing transparency, and forging stronger partnerships with like-minded organizations. Suffecool noted that the NRA is already collaborating with groups like the Second Amendment Foundation (SAF) and the Firearms Policy Coalition (FPC) to strengthen their collective impact.
Marcus Kahn echoed the sentiment, emphasizing that “when organizations work together and stay mission-focused, they can accomplish incredible things.” He stressed the importance of rebuilding trust and motivating members to re-engage with the NRA, pointing out that the organization’s success is vital not just for gun rights but for preserving all constitutional liberties.
The Call to Action: Time to Stand and Be Counted
With ballots already mailed to eligible members, time is of the essence. Ballots must be received by April 6, 2025, and members are encouraged to mail them by March 31 to ensure they are counted. Suffecool emphasized the urgency: “If you let your ballot sit on your kitchen counter, it doesn’t count. If you vote for 29 instead of 28, it doesn’t count. This is our moment to make a real difference.”
As the NRA stands at this pivotal crossroads, it’s time for members to re-engage, vote, and play an active role in shaping the future of the organization. The road to restoring trust and strength may be long, but with a dedicated group of leaders and a reenergized membership base, the NRA is well-positioned to turn the tide and emerge stronger than ever.
For more information on the candidates and how to participate in this critical election, visit www.electanewnra.com.