NRA Board of Directors Election Results 2025: Key Outcomes and Implications for Members

The National Rifle Association (NRA) recently announced the results of its 2025 Board of Directors election, revealing significant outcomes for its leadership structure.

Newly Elected Directors

Three-Year Terms Concluding in 2028

The election saw the filling of four previously vacated board positions. The following candidates were elected for three-year terms:

• Joel Friedman (Old Guard, OG)

Short-Term Appointments

In addition to the three-year positions, one two-year seat will be filled by:

• Richard Fairburn (New – Reformer)

Three one-year positions were awarded to:

• James W. Porter II (Reformer)
• Danny Stowers (Old Guard)
• Additionally, John Sigler (OG) will ascend to fill another vacancy once his intention to resign is formalized.

[Editor’s Note: Investigative reporting by AmmoLand News’ John Crump may have factored into the aforementioned resignation. Further updates will follow, particularly concerning the Ken Blackwell situation.]

Candidates Not Elected but Potential Contenders

Several candidates were not elected this cycle but remain eligible to contest the upcoming position of the 76th Director:

• Gene T. Roach (Unaffiliated, UA)
• Frank Tait (Reformer)
• Charles T. Hiltunen III (Reformer)
• Regis Synan (Reformer)
• Todd Vandermyde (Reformer)
• Tom King (OG)
• Jeffrey Fleetham (New – OG)
• Ronald L. Schmeits (OG)
• David Mitten (Reformer)
• Richard Todd Figard (Reformer)
• Kim Rhode (UA/OG)
• James L. Wallace (Reformer)
• Charles Rowe (New – OG)
• Lucretia Hughes Klucken (UA)
• Isaac Demarest (OG)
• Steven Dulan (OG)
• Lane Ruhland (UA)
• Greer Johnson (UA)
• Mark Shuell (UA/Reformer)

*Designations: OG = Old Guard, R = Reformer, UA = Unaffiliated, New = First time candidate (most Reform candidates are either newcomers or have recently served).

Insiders speculate that Charles Hiltunen might emerge as the favored candidate from the Reform side for the 76th Director seat.

Electoral Landscape and Faction Dynamics

The NRA board is currently characterized by two prominent factions: the “Reformers” and the “Old Guard.” Both groups campaigned vigorously with advertisements encouraging members to vote according to their preferences, emphasizing the critical nature of the election outcomes for the NRA’s future.

Jeff Knox commented, “Last year, the Reformers gained a significant advantage with the election of several reform-minded Directors, fostering a push towards new leadership.”

While the Reformers made meaningful electoral gains, it is essential to recognize that neither faction acts as a singular entity. Individual motivations vary, and divisions within each faction exist. The Reformers, in particular, do not always present a united front, allowing for a broader dialogue among board members.

Challenges and Prospects Ahead

Despite the electoral victories, the path forward for the NRA remains challenging. The Old Guard, while generally seen as responsible for past missteps during Wayne LaPierre’s leadership, still includes individuals who may pivot positively towards reform with the right motivation.

“Many directors are capable of embracing new ideas despite previous resistance, which bodes well for the future of the NRA,” Knox added.

The recently elected board members, alongside a growing number of reform-minded Directors, are expected to influence more effective policies and improve member services. Knox concludes, “While the upcoming journey will be intricate and time-consuming, there lies a promise of revitalizing the NRA under a new vision.”

The road ahead calls for collaboration, commitment from the membership, and an impetus to entrench the reforms necessary to restore the integrity and effectiveness of the NRA.