JD Vance on Gun Control
JD Vance is a staunch defender of Second Amendment rights and vocally opposes nearly all forms of gun control legislation. He characterizes efforts to curb gun violence through new restrictions as a "huge distraction" that primarily affects lawful Ohioans.
Throughout his time in the U.S. Senate, he has consistently voted against measures like universal background checks and the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, framing them as infringements on law-abiding citizens. His legislative actions show support for measures such as interstate concealed carry reciprocity and the removal of suppressors from the National Firearms Act.
His position is deeply rooted in his upbringing and military experience, recalling his grandmother's many firearms as a symbol of her determination to protect her family. Vance has also supported abolishing the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), aligning with the most ardent gun rights advocates.
Context
JD Vance's stance on gun control is framed by his background growing up in working-class Ohio and his service in the U.S. Marine Corps. This lived experience informs his political philosophy, which often emphasizes self-reliance and skepticism of federal regulation.
His views on the Second Amendment became a central part of his 2022 Senate campaign platform, where he was endorsed by the NRA Political Victory Fund (NRA-PVF). As Vice President, his role reinforces a national Republican stance that prioritizes gun ownership rights over new restrictions.
Timeline
- Vance reportedly endorsed laws that would make it easier to disarm people who are an imminent danger to others, as reported by local media.
- During his Senate campaign, Vance reversed or walked back prior softer stances, calling red flag laws a 'slippery slope' and a 'giant distraction.'
Actions Taken
- Legislation SponsorshipCo-sponsored legislation to enact interstate reciprocity for concealed carry.
- Legislation SponsorshipCo-sponsored legislation to remove firearm suppressors from the National Firearms Act (NFA).
- Legislative OppositionCo-sponsored resolutions of disapproval targeting ATF attempts to re-designate braced-equipped pistols and impose “universal background checks.”
- Public Statement/StancePublicly opposed the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, which passed while he was not in the Senate.
Key Quotes
I will fight the gun grabbers, whether they're federal bureaucrats enacting regulations or multinational companies punishing people for exercising their rights.
I think red flag laws, in particular, they certainly are a slippery slope... They also don't solve the problem of gun violence.
We need to fix the system we have that has problems as opposed to layering on a bunch of new regulations and laws on top of it.
Comparison
Vance's current position contrasts with the stance of his Democratic opponent in the 2022 Senate race, Tim Ryan, who has been endorsed by gun-control groups and supports measures like assault weapons bans and expanded background checks.
His voting record in the Senate has been lauded by the NRA as unwavering support against the Biden-Harris gun control agenda, in contrast to what they view as the current Vice President's (Kamala Harris) pro-control position.
Sources5
JD Vance is a True Second Amendment Champion
* This is not an exhaustive list of sources.