Both Sen. JD Vance and Gov. Tim Walz present themselves as strong supporters of gun rights, but they have very different views on how to address gun violence in America.
As the Democratic National Convention kicks off in Chicago, Vice President Kamala Harris has made gun control a key issue. She pledged to pass laws like red flag laws, universal background checks, and an assault weapons ban. Harris was appointed by President Joe Biden in 2023 to lead the White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention.
On the other hand, gun violence received little attention at the Republican National Convention, even though former President Donald Trump, the GOP presidential nominee, survived an assassination attempt involving an AR-15-style rifle. The 2024 GOP platform doesn’t mention gun violence or gun control, whereas in 2020, the party supported laws that would allow Americans to carry firearms across all states, opposed an assault weapons ban, and resisted lawsuits against gun manufacturers.
While Harris and Trump’s views on gun control are well-known, their running mates’ positions are just coming into the spotlight. Vance, a 40-year-old senator from Ohio, and Walz, a 60-year-old governor from Minnesota, both claim to uphold the Second Amendment, but they approach gun control very differently.
Vance’s Stance on Gun Control
Vance is a strong defender of the Second Amendment and opposes red flag laws, banning AR-15s, and supports abolishing the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). He also supports a national stand-your-ground law and repealing the Gun-Free Schools Act. Vance believes the focus should be on fixing the current system rather than adding more regulations.
The National Rifle Association (NRA) has endorsed Vance, contributing nearly $500,000 to his Senate campaign. Vance has criticized efforts to ban bump stocks, calling it a distraction from solving real problems. He also stated he would have voted against the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, a major gun safety law passed in 2022.
Walz’s Stance on Gun Control
Walz, once an NRA-endorsed congressman, changed his stance on gun control after the 2018 Parkland school shooting. This tragic event led him to support an assault weapons ban, universal background checks, and funding for gun violence research. As governor, he signed laws that created red flag laws, extended waiting periods for gun purchases, and expanded background checks.
Walz’s shift from a strong gun rights advocate to a supporter of gun safety measures reflects his belief that responsible gun ownership can coexist with efforts to keep communities safe.
For many young voters, like 21-year-old Timberlyn Mazeikis, who survived a mass shooting at Michigan State University, gun violence is a key issue in the upcoming election. Mazeikis supports Harris and Walz, seeing them as offering hope for change. She believes Walz’s transformation shows that one can be a responsible gun owner while advocating for safety.
However, Rob Doar, vice president of the Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus, noted that Walz’s changing stance might not appeal to moderate voters. While Vance’s strong Second Amendment stance resonates with many gun rights supporters, his lack of a long political career leaves some questioning his long-term commitment.
Both candidates’ positions on gun rights will play a significant role in how voters make their decisions in the 2024 election.