Fingerhut says, "I support the required gun safety training for all gun owners & require guns in the home be kept away from children."
Source: Ohio Congressional 2002 National Political Awareness Test
Nov 5, 2002
Jane Timken:
I own guns; I'll fight for your right to do the same
Keeping the right to bear arms. Frederick Douglass said: "Our rights rest in three boxes. The ballot-box, the jury-box, and the cartridge-box." I own guns, and
I'll always fight for your Constitutional right to do the same. "Shall not be infringed" means shall not be infringed, and as your Senator, I will fight to stop Democrats' unconstitutional push to take away our Second Amendment rights.
Source: 2021 OH Senate campaign website JaneTimkenForOhio.com
Nov 12, 2021
JD Vance:
Grandmother gave tough love, discipline; owned 19 handguns
Turbulence was common at home and at school. JD's father left home when he was a young boy. His mother struggled with drug addiction his entire life. His grandmother, called Mamaw, was his saving grace. Her tough love and discipline kept him on the
straight and narrow. That, or maybe the fact that she owned 19 handguns. She taught him the importance of being grounded in faith and family and the prospect that a better life lay ahead.
Source: 2021 Ohio Senate campaign website JDVance.com
Jul 4, 2021
Jim Renacci:
No ban on assault weapons nor high capacity magazines
Q: Support more restrictive gun control legislation?Sherrod Brown (D): Yes. Ban assault weapons & high-capacity magazines, expand background checks & raise age to 21.
Jim Renacci (R): No. Opposes bans on assault weapons & high capacity magazines & expanded background checks.
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Ohio Senate race
Oct 9, 2018
Jim Renacci:
Make Ohio a Second Amendment Sanctuary State
MAKE OHIO A SANCTUARY FOR FREEDOM- Second Amendment Sanctuary State.
-
Sanctuary against oppressive regulations and executive branch overreach.
- Sanctuary against oppressive taxation and illegal immigration.
Source: 2021 Ohio Gubernatorial campaign website JimRenacci.com
Jun 10, 2021
Jim Renacci:
Ohio should pass permitless concealed carry
With the signing of a recently passed bill by conservative Republican Gov. Kim Reynolds, Iowa has become the 18th state in the union to enact constitutional concealed carry.
Under these laws, citizens who are legally permitted to possess firearms may carry them concealed without obtaining the permission of government first. Ohio should quickly become the next state to pass this important legislation.
Source: Crain Cleveland Business on 2022 Ohio Gubernatorial race
Apr 27, 2021
Jim Renacci:
Opposes "frightening" red flag laws
These state laws are even more important now because law-abiding gun owners are under attack from the Biden administration. And one of the most frightening of these Biden attacks is what are known as "red flag" laws.
According to Ohio Gun Owners, red flag confiscation orders can allow liberal judges to target gun owners and strip away firearms from them before they've been charged, tried in court or even convicted of a single crime.
Source: Crain Cleveland Business on 2022 Ohio Gubernatorial race
Apr 27, 2021
Jim Renacci:
State must strip away national encroachment of gun rights
I support legislation to make Ohio a sanctuary state for law-abiding gun owners. After eight years in Congress, I returned home, convinced that the only way to fix Washington, D.C., is by fixing our state.
We must pass strong laws effort to make Ohio a sanctuary state for law-abiding gun owners and fundamentally strip away the federal government's unconstitutional and unlawful encroachment over our fundamental rights.
Source: Crain Cleveland Business on 2022 Ohio Gubernatorial race
Apr 27, 2021
Joe Schiavoni:
Opposes stand your ground, state preemption of local laws
HB228: To modify the law governing state preemption of local firearm regulations and related remedies, the grounds for self-defense and the burden of proof.In support of legislation (Buckeye Firearms Association): The law contains many
powerful improvements for Ohio's 4 million gun owners:
- Shifts the burden of proof back to the prosecutor so that you are innocent until proven guilty.
- Strengthens "preemption" provisions in Ohio law that prevent local governments from passing
their own gun laws.
Veto Message: Restricting the rights of local governments to enact any policies concerning firearms further erodes Ohio's long-established policies that guarantee local governments substantial sovereignty under
the legal principle known as "home rule."
Legislative Summary: Vetoed by Governor John Kasich on Dec/20/18; House overrides veto 67-22-0 on Dec/27/18; Senate overrides veto 21-11-1 on Dec/27/18; State Sen. Joe Schiavoni voted NO.
Source: Buckeye Firearms Association on Ohio HB228 voting records
Dec 27, 2018
John Kasich:
Vetoed stand your ground, state preemption of local laws
HB228: To modify the law governing state preemption of local firearm regulations and related remedies, the grounds for self-defense and the burden of proof.In support of legislation (Buckeye Firearms Association): The law contains many
powerful improvements for Ohio's 4 million gun owners:
- Shifts the burden of proof back to the prosecutor so that you are innocent until proven guilty.
- Strengthens "preemption" provisions in Ohio law that prevent local governments from passing
their own gun laws.
Veto Message: Restricting the rights of local governments to enact any policies concerning firearms further erodes Ohio's long-established policies that guarantee local governments substantial sovereignty under
the legal principle known as "home rule."
Legislative Summary: Vetoed by Governor John Kasich on Dec/20/18; House overrides veto 67-22-0 on Dec/27/18; Senate overrides veto 21-11-1 on Dec/27/18; (veto override passes).
Source: Buckeye Firearms Association on Ohio HB228 voting records
Dec 20, 2018
Jon Husted:
Spearheaded comprehensive reform to concealed carry law
Jon Husted is the only Ohio statewide elected official with an A+ rating from the National Rifle Association (NRA). As House Speaker, Jon spearheaded the passage of comprehensive reform to
Ohio's concealed carry laws in order to protect law-abiding gun owners. After the bill was vetoed, Jon stood up to the governor of his own party and courageously led the House's vote to override the veto. No gubernatorial veto has been overridden since.
Source: 2018 Ohio gubernatorial website, JonHusted.com
Jul 15, 2017
Jon Husted:
Endorsed by gun group, supports "right to protect"
Ohio Secretary of State Jon Husted's gubernatorial campaign was endorsed today by Ohioans for Concealed Carry.Husted said he led a gubernatorial override of
Ohio's Concealed Carry law for the first time since the 1950s. "Law-abiding citizens have the right to protect themselves, their family and their property," Husted said.
Source: US News & World Report on 2018 Ohio gubernatorial race
May 24, 2017
Lee Fisher:
Waiting periods; child safety locks; other restrictions ok
Fisher indicated he supported the following principles concerning gun issues:- Ban the sale or transfer of all forms of semi-automatic weapons.
- Maintain state restrictions on the purchase and possession of firearms.
-
Require manufacturers to provide child-safety locks with firearms.
- Fisher adds, "Favor waiting period and child access prevention legislation."
Source: Ohio Gubernatorial 1998 National Political Awareness Test
Nov 1, 1998
Matt Dolan:
Liberals will stop at nothing to grab our guns
Having the same, one-size-fits-all gun laws apply to New Yorkers, Ohioans and Texans is nuts. It's an invasion of rights and liberties explicitly afforded by the Constitution. Liberals will stop at nothing to grab our guns. In the U.S. Senate, just as
I did in Ohio, I will work with local law enforcement to ensure not only safe homes, schools and communities, but also iron-clad protections of our Second Amendment rights and the honor and traditions we hold dear.- Dolan co-sponsored the
Castle Doctrine giving Ohioans the right to self-defense in their own home.
- Dolan regularly voted for pro-Second Amendment bills, including expanding an individual's right to bear arms and state preemption of local firearm regulations.
-
Dolan helped establish the apprentice hunting license.
- Dolan voted to keep firearm dealers open during pandemic-related shutdowns.
- Dolan co-sponsored legislation that expands and updates concealed carry license rules for veterans.
Source: 2021 OH Senate campaign website DolanForOhio.com
Sep 21, 2021
Matt Dolan:
Supports stand your ground, state preemption of local laws
HB228: To modify the law governing state preemption of local firearm regulations and related remedies, the grounds for self-defense and the burden of proof.In support of legislation (Buckeye Firearms Association): The law contains many
powerful improvements for Ohio's 4 million gun owners:
- Shifts the burden of proof back to the prosecutor so that you are innocent until proven guilty.
- Strengthens "preemption" provisions in Ohio law that prevent local governments from passing
their own gun laws.
Veto Message: Restricting the rights of local governments to enact any policies concerning firearms further erodes Ohio's long-established policies that guarantee local governments substantial sovereignty under
the legal principle known as "home rule."
Legislative Summary: Vetoed by Governor John Kasich on Dec/20/18; House overrides veto 67-22-0 on Dec/27/18; Senate overrides veto 21-11-1 on Dec/27/18; State Sen. Matt Dolan voted YES.
Source: Buckeye Firearms Association on Ohio HB228 voting records
Dec 27, 2018
Mike DeWine:
Supports stand-your-ground; opposes bump stock ban
Q: Support more restrictive gun control legislation? Restrict semi-automatic weapons?Richard Cordray (D): Previous history of opposing restriction. Supports universal background checks & bump stock ban. Opposes assault weapons ban.
Mike DeWine (R): More previous support for restrictions. Now supports "stand your ground" law, opposes banning bump stocks or assault weapons. Would let judges seize guns from people at risk.
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Ohio Governor race
Oct 9, 2018
Mike Gibbons:
God-given right to keep and bear arms
I believe strongly in our Second Amendment rights, and I will work to protect those rights from those who would try to limit in any way our ability to protect ourselves. Our Founders wrote the Second Amendment to protect our
God-given right to keep and bear arms. The Second Amendment isn't about hunting, it's about our ability to stand up and defend ourselves. A lifelong member of the NRA, I will never waver in my support of our Second Amendment rights.
Source: 2018 Ohio Senatorial website GibbonsForOhio.com
Oct 15, 2017
Mike Gibbons:
Absolute right to gun ownership
Q: Do you support or oppose the statement, "Absolute right to gun ownership"?
A: Strongly support
Source: OnTheIssues interview of 2018 Ohio Senate candidate
Apr 24, 2018
Nan Whaley:
Opposed "Stand Your Ground" bill enacted after shooting
The legislature passed a "Stand Your Ground" bill which eliminated the duty to retreat in the face of possible gunfire. Whaley were enraged when DeWine signed it into law. "I know people in Dayton feel betrayed,'' Whaley told me. "I feel incredibly
disappointed. He caved into the pro-gun lobby and the legislators of his own party who passed this bill. You cannot sign that bill and then say you will work to enact real gun reforms."
Source: WVXU 91.7 FM on 2022 Ohio Governor race
Mar 26, 2021
P.G. Sittenfeld:
We need Senators who'll stand up to extreme gun lobby
P.G. Sittenfeld took a jab at Ted Strickland for refusing to "renounce" the National Rifle Association. Sittenfeld criticized both Strickland and incumbent Sen. Rob Portman (R-OH) for doing the "bidding" of the NRA:"Gun safety is absolutely a top
issue. Still waiting on Ted Strickland & Rob Portman to renounce their NRA support," Sittenfeld wrote on Twitter. Commenting on the presidential debate: "Glad to hear Hillary thinks the candidate with the 'D-' NRA rating isn't tough enough on guns. I'm
running against two candidates with 'A' ratings. What having an A+ rating from the NRA means is that you do their bidding. We need Senators who aren't afraid to stand up to extreme gun lobby," Sittenfeld tweeted.
Strickland received an A+ rating from
the NRA during his failed 2010 campaign against John Kasich. Though Strickland went on to work for the Center for American Progress, which is decidedly anti-gun, he has yet to, as Sittenfeld stated, "renounce" his pro-gun voting record in Congress.
Source: The Free Beacon on 2016 Ohio Senate race
Oct 14, 2015
P.G. Sittenfeld:
We have more mass murders because we have more guns
Let me ask you: Why does America experience more gun-related mass murders than any other industrialized nation in the world? Is it because we are inherently more violent, or because we have more people who are mentally ill?No--it's not. Nor can we
blame violent movies and video games--since people in other industrialized countries watch the same movies and play the same games.
What's different is the 300 million guns this nation now has in circulation--and the ease with which they can be
accessed and carried into public places. So let me be crystal clear. While I support the 2nd amendment, I am tired of seeing it misused either to protect gang members who want assault weapons or to kill common-sense gun safety laws designed to protect
our churches, schools and movie theaters.
Polls tell us that 90% of the American people--and a solid majority of gun owners--strongly support common sense measures like universal background checks that actually work.
Source: 2016 Ohio Senate race: Center of Hope Baptist Church speech
Aug 9, 2015
Richard Cordray:
Wants gun control laws at both state and local levels
Several cities are considering legislation on guns if state lawmakers don't pass gun law reforms--despite a state law that prevents them from passing stricter laws. As state AG, Corday defended the law all the way to the Ohio Supreme Court.
Now Cordray seems to imply there is daylight between that law and local ordinances. "I think that communities can pass their laws, and the state legislature will pass its laws," Cordray said. "I do believe in home rule. It's part of our constitution."
Source: WOSU National Public Radio on 2018 Ohio gubernatorial race
Mar 23, 2018
Richard Cordray:
Universal background checks & bump stock ban
Q: Support more restrictive gun control legislation? Restrict semi-automatic weapons?Richard Cordray (D): Previous history of opposing restriction. Supports universal background checks & bump stock ban. Opposes assault weapons ban.
Mike DeWine (R): More previous support for restrictions. Now supports "stand your ground" law, opposes banning bump stocks or assault weapons. Would let judges seize guns from people at risk.
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Ohio Governor race
Oct 9, 2018
Sherrod Brown:
Ban on assault weapons & high capacity magazines
Q: Support more restrictive gun control legislation?Sherrod Brown (D): Yes. Ban assault weapons & high-capacity magazines, expand background checks & raise age to 21.
Jim Renacci (R): No. Opposes bans on assault weapons & high capacity magazines & expanded background checks.
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Ohio Senate race
Oct 9, 2018
Steven Driehaus:
More enforcement; more safety locks; more background checks
Driehaus indicates he supports the following principles concerning gun issues. - Maintain and strengthen the enforcement of existing state restrictions on the purchase and possession of guns.
- Require manufacturers to provide child-safety
locks on guns.
- Require background checks of gun buyers at gun shows.
- Require the safe storage of guns.
- Require gun dealers to offer trigger locks to anyone who purchases a gun.
Source: 2000 Ohio National Political Awareness Test
Nov 4, 2008
Ted Strickland:
OpEd: Worked for anti-gun group, but never renounced NRA
P.G. Sittenfeld took a jab at Ted Strickland for refusing to "renounce" the National Rifle Association. Sittenfeld criticized both Strickland and incumbent Sen. Rob Portman (R-OH) for doing the "bidding" of the NRA:"Gun safety is absolutely a top
issue. Still waiting on Ted Strickland & Rob Portman to renounce their NRA support," Sittenfeld wrote on Twitter.
Strickland received an A+ rating from the NRA during his failed 2010 re-election campaign against John Kasich. "Our members will interpret
your 'A+' rating and endorsement as an indication that you are a pro-Second Amendment, pro-hunting candidate who supports sportsmen and gun-owners on every issue," the chair of the NRA's Political Victory Fund wrote to Strickland in a letter at the time.
Though Strickland went on to work for the Center for American Progress, which is decidedly anti-gun, he has yet to, as Sittenfeld stated, "renounce" his pro-gun voting record in Congress.
Source: The Free Beacon on 2016 Ohio Senate race
Oct 14, 2015
Ted Strickland:
2010: Pro-gun & NRA endorsed; 2016: end gun epidemic
In Ohio, the quintessential presidential battleground, Democrat Ted Strickland campaigned as pro-gun in 2010 when he was running for reelection as governor. He even got the NRA endorsement over John Kasich.
Six years later, he's his party's nominee against Republican Sen. Rob Portman and sounding a different tune: "I grew up in rural Appalachia, and I believe in the Second Amendment,"
Strickland writes. "My creator also gave me eyes & ears, a heart & brain--and the capacity to use all of them to assess the challenges facing our country. There is no denying that America is facing a pressing and heartbreaking epidemic of gun violence.
The victims have been school children, moviegoers, parishioners and now dancers at a nightclub. Our leaders in Washington like Senator Portman are not taking simple, commonsense steps to keep weapons out of the hands of those who would do us harm."
Source: Washington Post on 2016 Ohio Senate race
Jun 20, 2016
Ted Strickland:
Supports background checks; close terror watchlist loophole
Q: What kinds of gun safety regulations should be passed into law?Strickland: Like many Americans, I have been deeply troubled and saddened by the escalation of violence in our country--we must do more to keep weapons out of the hands of those who
would do harm. We should be implementing commonsense and effective ideas to reduce gun violence, like ensuring background checks are conducted on all gun sales and closing the loophole allowing those on the terror watch list to buy guns. I believe these
proposals are consistent with our Second Amendment rights and are the most effective ways to keep weapons out of the hands of criminals, terrorists and those with legitimate mental illnesses. Unfortunately, Senator Portman voted against both of these
proposals. I also support passage of the Equal Access to Justice for Victims of Gun Violence Act so that gun manufacturers can no longer hide behind a legal shield that gives them protections from liability enjoyed by virtually no other industry.
Source: Vote411.org League of Women Voters on 2016 Ohio Senate Race
Sep 19, 2016
Matt Dolan:
Keep firearm dealers open during pandemic-related shutdowns
- Dolan voted to keep firearm dealers open during pandemic-related shutdowns.
- Dolan co-sponsored legislation that expands and updates concealed carry license rules for veterans.
- Dolan voted to protect
Second Amendment rights during a state of emergency and prohibit state and local governments from confiscating firearms.
- Dolan voted to make Ohio a permitless carry state--allowing Ohioans the fundamental right to keep and bear arms.
Source: 2024 Ohio Senate campaign website DolanForOhio.com
Apr 18, 2023
Frank LaRose:
Supports stand your ground & state preemption of local laws
HB228: To modify the law governing state preemption of local firearm regulations and related remedies, the grounds for self-defense and the burden of proof.In support of legislation (Buckeye Firearms Association): The law contains many
powerful improvements for Ohio's 4 million gun owners:
- Shifts the burden of proof back to the prosecutor so that you are innocent until proven guilty.
- Strengthens "preemption" provisions in Ohio law that prevent local governments from passing
their own gun laws.
Veto Message: Restricting the rights of local governments to enact any policies concerning firearms further erodes Ohio's long-established policies that guarantee local governments substantial sovereignty under
the legal principle known as "home rule."
Legislative Summary: Vetoed by Governor John Kasich on Dec/20/18; House overrides veto 67-22-0 on Dec/27/18; Senate overrides veto 21-11-1 on Dec/27/18; State Sen. Frank LaRose voted YES.
Source: Buckeye Firearms Association on Ohio HB228 voting records
Dec 27, 2018
Bernie Moreno:
I'm an absolutist on the Second Amendment
Gun Laws : Loosen or tighten gun regulation?- Sherrod Brown (D): Tighten. Calls for "commonsense gun legislation." Supported legislation expanding background checks, increasing funds for crisis
intervention, and disarming domestic abusers. Sponsored a bill banning assault weapons.
- Bernie Moreno (R): Loosen. "I'm an absolutist on the Second Amendment." Opposes all gun restrictions.
Source: Guides.vote candidate survey on 2024 Ohio Senate race
Aug 8, 2024
Sherrod Brown:
Funding for crisis intervention; disarm domestic abusers
Gun Laws : Loosen or tighten gun regulation?- Sherrod Brown (D): Tighten. Calls for "commonsense gun legislation." Supported legislation expanding background checks, increasing funds for crisis
intervention, and disarming domestic abusers. Sponsored a bill banning assault weapons.
- Bernie Moreno (R): Loosen. "I'm an absolutist on the Second Amendment." Opposes all gun restrictions.
Source: Guides.vote candidate survey on 2024 Ohio Senate race
Aug 8, 2024
Nan Whaley:
Heal after Dayton shooting; but #DoSomething on gun control
You probably had never heard of Dayton Mayor Nan Whaley before last weekend's mass shooting in her city. The tragedy has thrust Whaley into headlines worldwide. She's gained 25,000 new Twitter followers this week. Whaley has shined in a dark moment,
leading her city, hitting all the right rhetorical tones and gracefully handling criticism from President Trump. The FBI announced that it had uncovered a violent ideology, but had not found evidence to suggest the shooting was racially motivated.
Whaley has called on Trump and Republicans to do something about gun control, but she's not been disrespectful or used inflammatory rhetoric. As gun-reform advocates shouted down Gov. Mike DeWine during a vigil, Whaley took the mic and asked everyone to
chill out. "We are here to heal tonight," Whaley said.
[Trump visited Dayton and criticized Whaley, who responded], "the victims and first responders were comforted by his presence. Let's hope he actually does something on gun control. #DoSomething"
Source: Cincinnati Enquirer on 2022 Ohio Gubernatorial race
Aug 8, 2019
Jon Husted:
Enact "Castle Doctrine" presuming self-defense for gun use
SB184: Self-defense/defend another-civil immunity/presume acted properly. Buckeye Firearms Association summary June 10, 2008: Said the NRA's chief lobbyist, "When you're confronted by a criminal, you don't have the luxury of time. Under
the 'Castle Doctrine' provision, if someone breaks into your occupied home or temporary habitation, or your occupied car, you now have an initial presumption that you may act in self defense and you will not be second-guessed by the State.".
Everytown.org summary 2.3.2020: 26 states have passed Stand Your Ground Laws that massively expand traditional self-defense laws. And no matter what you call them, they all have the same effect on the people of the states that pass them: more
people will be killed and their killers will walk free.
Legislative Outcome: Passed House 73-23-3 on May/28/08; State Rep. Jon Husted voted YES; passed Senate 25-7-1 on May/29/08; Signed by Governor Ted Strickland on Jun/10/08.
Source: Buckeye Firearms Association on Ohio voting record SB184
May 28, 2008
Matt Dolan:
Enact "Castle Doctrine" presuming self-defense for gun use
SB184: Self-defense/defend another-civil immunity/presume acted properly. Buckeye Firearms Association summary June 10, 2008: Said the NRA's chief lobbyist, "When you're confronted by a criminal, you don't have the luxury of time. Under
the 'Castle Doctrine' provision, if someone breaks into your occupied home or temporary habitation, or your occupied car, you now have an initial presumption that you may act in self defense and you will not be second-guessed by the State.".
Everytown.org summary 2.3.2020: 26 states have passed Stand Your Ground Laws that massively expand traditional self-defense laws. And no matter what you call them, they all have the same effect on the people of the states that pass them: more
people will be killed and their killers will walk free.
Legislative Outcome: Passed House 73-23-3 on May/28/08; State Rep. Matt Dolan voted YES; passed Senate 25-7-1 on May/29/08; Signed by Governor Ted Strickland on Jun/10/08.
Source: Buckeye Firearms Association on Ohio voting record SB184
May 28, 2008
Ted Strickland:
Enact "Castle Doctrine" presuming self-defense for gun use
SB184: Self-defense/defend another-civil immunity/presume acted properly. Buckeye Firearms Association summary June 10, 2008: Said the NRA's chief lobbyist, "When you're confronted by a criminal, you don't have the luxury of time. Under
the 'Castle Doctrine' provision, if someone breaks into your occupied home or temporary habitation, or your occupied car, you now have an initial presumption that you may act in self defense and you will not be second-guessed by the State.".
Everytown.org summary 2.3.2020: 26 states have passed Stand Your Ground Laws that massively expand traditional self-defense laws. And no matter what you call them, they all have the same effect on the people of the states that pass them: more
people will be killed and their killers will walk free.
Legislative Outcome: Passed House 73-23-3 on May/28/08; passed Senate 25-7-1 on May/29/08; Signed by Governor Ted Strickland on Jun/10/08.
Source: Everytown.org on Ohio voting record SB184
Feb 3, 2020
Page last updated: Feb 07, 2026