State of Mississippi Archives: on Gun Control


Chris McDaniel: Preserve the rights of gun owners

McDaniel is authoring a bill he says will preserve the rights of gun owners in Mississippi. It's in response to a request from Gov. Phil Bryant that lawmakers adopt legislation that would defend 2nd Amendment rights against any executive action from President Obama.

McDaniel says the bill would mandate that no state agency would assist in the implementation of unconstitutional executive orders relating to gun rights.

McDaniel is also co-authoring two related bills. "All of these pieces of legislation will be challenged, there's no question about it," McDaniel said. "But, it's a debate we need to have in this country. Right now, we have a president that is exercising far too much authority, we have a federal government that is trying to do too much to too many people and do too many things," he said.

Source: Report by Yall Politics on 2014 Mississippi Senate race Jan 18, 2013

Chris McDaniel: Blames rising gun violence on "hip-hop" culture

In a promotional segment for his Christian conservative radio program, Right Side Radio, Mississippi Republican Senate candidate Chris McDaniel blamed rising gun violence on a "hip-hop" culture that "values rap and destruction of community values more than it does poetry."

The comments were featured in a teaser for the program: "The reason Canada is breaking out with brand new gun violence has nothing to do with the US and guns," McDaniel said. "It has everything to do with a culture that is morally bankrupt. What kind of culture is that? It's called hip-hop. Name a redeeming quality of hip-hop. I want to know anything about hip-hop that has been good for this country."

Source: Mother Jones magazine AdWatch: 2014 Mississippi Senate race Jan 7, 2014

Chris McDaniel: Opposes more gun restrictions

Question topic: More restrictive gun control laws are needed now to protect public safety.

McDaniel: Strongly Disagree

Source: Faith2Action iVoterGuide on 2014 Mississippi Senate race Jul 2, 2014

Chris McDaniel: Concealed carry for retired cops, even in public parks

SB2862: Carrying a concealed weapon; revise qualification for retired law enforcement officers and delete prohibition in parks.

Summary by National Rifle Association Institute for Legislative Action [a pro-gun-rights group]: Senate Bill 2862 allowed retired law enforcement officers to qualify for the ability to carry a concealed firearm without a permit under federal law by gaining certification from the Mississippi Association of Chiefs of Police. Repeals the current state ban on the possession of firearms in public parks by Mississippi Right-To-Carry permit holders. This change in state law will allow Mississippi permit holders to carry in state parks.

Legislative outcome: Passed House 117-3-2, Mar/3/10; Passed Senate 52-0-0, Mar/23/10; State Senator Chris McDaniel voted YES; Signed by Governor Haley Barbour Apr/1/10

Source: NRA-ILA on Mississippi legislative voting record SB2862 Apr 23, 2010

Cindy Hyde-Smith: Concealed carry for retired cops, even in public parks

SB2862: Carrying a concealed weapon; revise qualification for retired law enforcement officers and delete prohibition in parks.

Summary by National Rifle Association Institute for Legislative Action [a pro-gun-rights group]: Senate Bill 2862 allowed retired law enforcement officers to qualify for the ability to carry a concealed firearm without a permit under federal law by gaining certification from the Mississippi Association of Chiefs of Police. Repeals the current state ban on the possession of firearms in public parks by Mississippi Right-To-Carry permit holders. This change in state law will allow Mississippi permit holders to carry in state parks.

Legislative outcome: Passed House 117-3-2, Mar/3/10; Passed Senate 52-0-0, Mar/23/10; State Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith voted YES; Signed by Governor Haley Barbour Apr/1/10

Source: NRA-ILA on Mississippi legislative voting record SB2862 Apr 23, 2010

David Baria: I support 2nd Amendment along with rest of Bill of Rights

Describing himself as a gun owner and hunter, Baria tells a questioner, "I support the Second Amendment, and I support all other nine amendments in the Bill of Rights."
Source: Jackson Free Press on 2018 Mississippi Senate race May 8, 2018

David Baria: Common-sense measures, like restrict semi-automatic weapons

Q: Gun Control: Support more restrictive gun control legislation? Restrict semi-automatic weapons?

David Baria (D): Yes to both. Gun owner & hunter, but "common sense gun safety measures" don't mean "you're anti-gun or anti-Second Amendment."

Roger Wicker (R): No to both. "Do not feel more gun control laws are the answer to the problems confronting our nation."

Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Mississippi Senate race Oct 9, 2018

Haley Barbour: Concealed carry for retired cops, even in public parks

SB2862: Carrying a concealed weapon; revise qualification for retired law enforcement officers and delete prohibition in parks.

Summary by National Rifle Association Institute for Legislative Action [a pro-gun-rights group]: Senate Bill 2862 allowed retired law enforcement officers to qualify for the ability to carry a concealed firearm without a permit under federal law by gaining certification from the Mississippi Association of Chiefs of Police. Repeals the current state ban on the possession of firearms in public parks by Mississippi Right-To-Carry permit holders. This change in state law will allow Mississippi permit holders to carry in state parks.

Legislative outcome: Passed House 117-3-2, Mar/3/10; Passed Senate 52-0-0, Mar/23/10; Signed by Governor Haley Barbour Apr/1/10

Source: NRA-ILA on Mississippi legislative voting record SB2862 Apr 1, 2010

Jensen Bohren: Moratorium on studying gun violence must be lifted

On the issue of gun control, Bohren's stance is a bit more controversial for progressives and the Democratic Party. Although Bohren supports the Second Amendment, he is in favor of extensively researching gun violence. "We need to lift the moratorium on studying the underlying causes of gun violence. We haven't studied the fundamentals of the issue since the mid-nineties. To avoid researching an issue due to political implications is stunningly irresponsible."
Source: MillennialPolitics.CO on 2018 Mississippi Senate race Jan 6, 2018

Jim Hood: Guns ok on school property, with enhanced license

On Oct. 1, 2013, the office of Mississippi Attorney General Jim Hood issued an opinion reinforcing and expanding its prior decisions on the carrying of firearms by enhanced licensees on educational property. A prior opinion by the Attorney General's office issued on Jan. 5, 2012, made clear the Attorney General's position that the state ban on possession of firearms on educational property does not apply to a person in possession of a valid license. The new opinion reaffirms the AG office's position that the educational property ban does not apply to enhanced licensees.

A spokesperson said that the enhanced license provision explicitly allows enhanced licensees to carry their handguns, which include "any elementary or secondary school facility" and "any school athletic event."

The opinion also addressed certain locations where state law can continue to be enforced to prohibit persons from carrying concealed firearms [including] non-public areas of educational property.

Source: NRA-ILA on 2019 Mississippi Gubernatorial race Oct 4, 2013

Phil Bryant: Protect schools from violence with active shooter drills

Unfortunately, a problem exists in our schools today that threatens children of all ages. It has become commonly known as the active shooter. To help protect our students and those who teach them, I will ask you to pass a comprehensive plan to keep our school children safe. The recommendations come from a year-long study for effective results. If you will pass and fund the Mississippi Safe School Act, our parents, teachers and administrators will be allowed to care for our children in a safe and protected environment.

Analysis by Mississippi Today, Jan. 31:House Bill 1283 requires active shooter drills in addition to fire drills and emergency drills which already occur. This legislation follows last year's bill, also called the Mississippi School Safety Act, that would have allowed teachers to carry guns in the classroom after specialized training--it died in the House.

Source: 2019 State of the State on Mississippi voting record HB1283 Jan 31, 2019

Robert Foster: Second amendment is final check & balance in Constitution

Strong on the 2nd Amendment: Robert is a strong supporter of the second amendment and will always protect your right to defend your family. He understands the importance of the second amendment in being the final check and balance in our Constitutional Republic. Robert is an avid hunter, a member of the NRA and Ducks Unlimited.
Source: 2019 Mississippi governor campaign website Foster4MS.com Dec 31, 2018

Roger Wicker: More gun control laws are not the answer to gun problems

Q: Gun Control: Support more restrictive gun control legislation? Restrict semi-automatic weapons?

David Baria (D): Yes to both. Gun owner & hunter, but "common sense gun safety measures" don't mean "you're anti-gun or anti-Second Amendment."

Roger Wicker (R): No to both. "Do not feel more gun control laws are the answer to the problems confronting our nation."

Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Mississippi Senate race Oct 9, 2018

Tate Reeves: Pro-gun rights; lowered barriers to concealed carry

Source: 2019 Mississippi Governor campaign website TateReeves.com Mar 21, 2018

Ty Pinkins: Ban assault rifles; enact comprehensive background checks

There's empirical evidence that suggests the 10-year ban on assault rifles did reduce the rate of mass shootings. We need to question why civilians need access to these instruments of destruction.

It's concerning that individuals can bypass the background check system through private sales and gun shows. With an overwhelming 88% of Americans supporting comprehensive background checks, closing these loopholes is a mandate from the public.

Source: 2024 Mississippi Senate campaign website TyPinkins.com Jun 26, 2024

Dan Eubanks: Second Amendment Protections video on campaign website

Videos on campaign website:
Source: 2024 Mississippi Senate campaign web Eubanks4Mississippi.com Aug 8, 2024

Ty Pinkins: Limiting magazine size won't stop people from self-defense

High-capacity magazines allow shooters to fire dozens of rounds without stopping to reload--putting law enforcement and innocent people at greater risk. Limiting magazine size doesn't prevent law-abiding citizens from defending themselves, but it can give potential victims and first responders precious seconds that could save lives.
Source: 2026 Mississippi Senate campaign website TyPinkins.com Jul 27, 2025

  • The above quotations are from State of Mississippi Politicians: Archives.
  • Click here for definitions & background information on Gun Control.
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2024 Presidential contenders on Gun Control:
  Candidates for President & Vice-President:
V.P.Kamala Harris (D-CA)
Robert F. Kennedy Jr.(I-CA)
Chase Oliver(L-GA)
Dr.Jill Stein(D-MA)
Former Pres.Donald Trump(R-FL)
Sen.J.D.Vance(R-OH)
Gov.Tim Walz(D-MN)
Dr.Cornel West(I-NJ)

2024 presidential primary contenders:
Pres.Joe_Biden(D-DE)
N.D.Gov.Doug Burgum(R)
N.J.Gov.Chris_Christie(R)
Fla.Gov.Ron_DeSantis(R)
S.C.Gov.Nikki_Haley(R)
Ark.Gov.Asa_Hutchinson(R)
Former V.P.Mike Pence(R-IN)
U.S.Rep.Dean_Phillips(D-MN)
Vivek_Ramaswamy(R-OH)
S.C.Sen.Tim_Scott(R)
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Page last updated: Feb 07, 2026