State of Virginia Archives: on Gun Control
Don Beyer:
Close gun show loophole; ban high capacity magazines
Gun violence and mass shootings have become all too common in our society, and we in Virginia have felt the tragic sting. We must make our communities safer. Last year, US gun deaths totaled 11,419--a heartbreaking statistic. This is the price we pay for
the political fear some have of the NRA. When I ran for Governor, the NRA made me a target, and Charlton Heston came to Virginia and campaigned against me. But that won't deter me from passing new and sensible gun laws. In fact, it makes me even more
determined.We need enhanced background checks now. Too many criminals, & those who are dangerously mentally ill, can obtain firearms at gun shows. We have to close the gun show loophole, which allows people to purchase guns without background checks.
I can't understand why the NRA opposes enhanced background checks, but we need to make this a priority. I also favor banning high capacity magazines. These magazines, in the hands of dangerously mentally ill people, have caused tragedy after tragedy.
Source: 2014 Virginia House campaign website, FriendsOfDonBeyer.com
Oct 10, 2014
Ed Gillespie:
Fight UN gun ban treaty, & fight bans on guns or ammunition
The National Rifle Association blanketed its home state--the group's HQ is in Fairfax County--with direct-mail material touting Ed Gillespie. Gillespie, the mailer says, is the antidote to the "Obama/Bloomberg gun control agenda." And more are expected.
The ad could have unintended consequences for Gillespie, who secured the nomination in part by courting tea party conservatives--but who is now trying to woo more-moderate general-election voters. Gillespie risks alienating the electorate in vote-rich
Northern Virginia who may be turned off by Second Amendment rhetoric, especially after mass shootings at Virginia Tech in 2007 and an elementary school in Newtown, Conn., in 2012.
[In the NRA flyer], a smiling Gillespie appears alongside his pledge
to "strongly oppose and fight against" Obama's "anti-gun nominees for the US Supreme Court," a UN gun ban treaty, any bans on guns and ammunition, a federal gun registration database and government approval for gun sales among friends and family.
Source: Washington Post PacWatch on 2014 Virginia Senate debate
Aug 23, 2014
George Allen:
Endorsed by NRA for record of defending Second Amendment
The NRA endorsed Allen for the U.S. Senate citing his "stellar record of defending the Second Amendment" and protecting the Constitutional right to bear arms. The NRA is America's leading organization promoting gun safety education and the
Second Amendment with more than 70,000 current members nationwide. Allen said he is pleased with the endorsement. "It's a most significant honor to receive the important endorsement of the National Rifle Association (NRA), a great
American organization with so many patriotic, active members throughout Virginia. The NRA supports law enforcement professionals, gun safety education and stands strong for our foundational Second Amendment rights.
I have always been proud to support the natural rights of law-abiding citizens to protect their families and themselves. "In the U.S. Senate I will remain committed to defending our rights enshrined in our Constitution," said George Allen.
Source: Richmond Republican Examiner on 2012 Virginia Senate debate
May 11, 2012
George Allen:
Instant criminal records check on all gun purchases
When I was a member of the General Assembly, it was my amendment that said that when anybody is buying a firearm that--regardless of the firearm--there will be an instant
criminal records check. And I do believe those criminal records checks, including mental disorders or drug abuse, are indicated in any firearm purchases.
Source: CNN State of the Union on 2012 Virginia Senate debate
Jul 22, 2012
Jamie Radtke:
Second Amendment avoids infringement on civil liberties
Radtke said she is concerned with what she called the government's "infringement on civil liberties," adding: "The best defense for
Americans is the Second Amendment [the right to bear arms]."
Source: Richmond Times-Dispatch on 2012 Virginia Senate debate
Apr 28, 2012
Jamie Radtke:
Oppose the Clinton-Feinstein gun ban
U.S. Senate candidate Jamie Radtke has questioned the National Rifle Association's endorsement of former senator and Governor George Allen. "I know all too many gun enthusiasts who would dispute this endorsement," Radtke told the Richmond Republican
Examiner.This Thursday the NRA endorsed Allen for the U.S. Senate citing his "stellar record of defending the Second Amendment" and protecting the Constitutional right to bear arms.
Radtke disputes this saying she has been to numerous gun shows all over the Commonwealth and the sentiment is overwhelming: "we don't need six more years of George Allen."
"Something is wrong when you have to lobby
George Allen to make sure he votes right on guns," Radtke told the Examiner. "He caved in in an election year and declared his support for the Clinton-Feinstein gun ban. Need I say more?"
Source: Richmond Republican Examiner on 2012 Virginia Senate debate
May 11, 2012
Justin Fairfax:
Spoke for strong gun control after Virginia Beach shooting
It appeared the governor and his lieutenant put aside their differences in the name of gun control,
a common refrain in the wake of the repeated senseless gun violence plaguing the country.
Source: NewsOne on 2021 Virginia gubernatorial race
Jun 4, 2019
Lee Carter:
Voted for background checks; against assault weapons ban
Carter voted in favor of bills to establish universal background checks, report lost and stolen firearms, impose penalties for improper storage of firearms and prohibit the possession of firearms for individuals subject to protective orders.Carter
voted against bills that would ban the sale of assault weapons; establish extreme risk protective orders; reinstate Virginia's one-handgun-a-month rule; and allow localities to adopt ordinances governing possession of firearms in their jurisdictions.
Source: Prince Williams Times on 2021 Virginia Gubernatorial race
Jan 1, 2021
Mark Warner:
Restrict but don't ban high-capacity magazines
The NRA [is distributing a mailer that says Ed Gillespie, Warner's opponent], is the antidote to the "Obama/Bloomberg gun control agenda." Warner's campaign declined to comment on the NRA mailings or his view on guns.Warner has a complicated
relationship with gun issues. In 2008, the NRA gave him an A--a grade the group says has expired; new rankings will come out soon. After the Newtown shooting, Warner declared his support for some gun-control measures and said: "There's got to be a way to
put reasonable restrictions, particularly as we look at assault weapons, as we look at these fast clips of ammunition."
Yet four months later, his votes tell a different story. He voted against bans of high-profile assault weapons and high-capacity
magazines, and he supported efforts to protect gun owner privacy and grant rights to carry concealed weapons across state lines.
He did, however, vote for an unsuccessful compromise that would have expanded background checks for firearms purchases.
Source: Washington Post PacWatch on 2014 Virginia Senate debate
Aug 23, 2014
Ralph Northam:
Supports universal background checks
Yesterday, Governor-elect Northam and I stood together and outlined several pieces of legislation that we hope the new General Assembly will pass this year. They include:- Keeping families safe from gun violence by requiring background
checks for every firearm purchase.
- Finally raising the threshold for felony larceny from $200 to $1000 so that one mistake does not ruin a person's entire life.
- Cut carbon and create clean energy jobs
Source: Terry McAuliffe's 2018 Virginia State of the State address
Jan 10, 2018
Ralph Northam:
More deaths due to guns than car accidents: so let's act
In 2017, 1,028 Virginians died of gun-related causes.In comparison, that's more deaths due to gun violence than the 956 Virginians who died due to vehicle accidents in 2017.
We have recognized that we have a problem with road safety and vehicle
deaths--and we have acted together to prevent future ones [such as] the Executive Leadership Team on Highway Safety, and efforts to strengthen our Move Over law, aimed at protecting our first responders.
If we are able to agree that we need to act
when we have a problem with highway safety and preventable deaths, then surely we can agree to work together to keep more Virginians alive by improving gun safety. This has to be a dialogue--that's a two-way exchange of ideas.
This year I'm proposing we act to approve an "extreme risk law." It creates a legal way for law enforcement and the courts to temporarily remove firearms from someone who has shown dangerous behavior, and who poses a risk to themselves or others.
Source: 2019 State of the State address to Virginia legislature
Jan 9, 2019
Robert Sarvis:
Gun-control measures fail to reduce violent crime
I support gun rights and the Second Amendment. My view is this: Proponents of restricting our freedoms bear the heavy burden of showing the necessity, propriety, and wisdom of their proposed regulations. Yet gun-control measures have repeatedly failed to
reduce violent crime or criminals' access to guns. Instead, they burden law-abiding gun-owners and prospective gun-owners.Gun violence and violent crimes have declined dramatically over the last two decades. If we want to reduce gun violence and
violent crime further, the first place to look is our drug laws. Drug prohibition, like alcohol prohibition before it, has produced well-financed, well-armed, violent criminal enterprises.
I also object to the Republican Party's attempts to get the
information of all concealed-carry permit holders in Virginia. Republicans claim to be in favor of freedom, gun rights, and privacy, but this once again shows that the GOP's self-interest comes before the rights of the people.
Source: Virginia Governor 2013 campaign website, robertsarvis.com
Sep 21, 2013
Nick Freitas:
Unapologetic firm supporter of 2nd Amendment rights
Restrictions on our right to keep and bear arms is a
direct violation of both the letter and the spirit of the law and must be opposed.The U.S. Constitution is not a list of suggestions, but a contract between the people and their government.
Source: 2018 Virginia Senate campaign website Nick4Senate.com
Mar 3, 2018
Amanda Chase:
Keep kids safe with armed police at each school
Virginia's students deserve proper funding and adequate resources to ensure they have the strongest foundation for success.
As a mom, Amanda will always view school safety as critical and support keeping kids safe by having armed police officers at each school.
Source: 2021 Virginia Governor campaign website Chase4Senate.com
Dec 13, 2020
Terry McAuliffe:
Restore the one handgun a month law
We can no longer stand by as our fellow Virginians are lost to preventable and senseless acts of gun violence. As a gun owner myself, I fully believe that law-abiding citizens have a right to responsibly own and carry firearms. But as we have learned
from far too many tragedies here and across the country, there is a difference between responsible gun owners and those who violate the law or are likely to use firearms in a manner that endangers lives.I have proposed several common sense bills aimed
at keeping Virginians safe from gun violence without infringing on the rights of responsible, law abiding citizens. These proposals will keep guns out of dangerous hands by
- closing the gun show loophole;
- preventing violent criminals and
domestic abusers from obtaining fire arms;
- revoking concealed carry permits from those who do not meet their legal obligation to pay child support; and
- curtailing gun trafficking by restoring the one handgun a month law.
Source: State of the State address to 2015 Virginia Legislature
Jan 14, 2015
Terry McAuliffe:
Supports universal background checks
Yesterday, Governor-elect Northam and I stood together and outlined several pieces of legislation that we hope the new General Assembly will pass this year. They include:- Keeping families safe from gun violence by requiring background
checks for every firearm purchase.
- Finally raising the threshold for felony larceny from $200 to $1000 so that one mistake does not ruin a person's entire life.
- Cut carbon and create clean energy jobs
Source: 2018 Virginia State of the State address
Jan 10, 2018
Tim Kaine:
Instant background checks including mental health database
The shootings at Virginia Tech point out areas where change is needed. Both state and federal law prohibit a person who has been found by a court to be a danger to himself or others from buying a firearm. Until last April, there was no clear policy
stating that a person ordered to involuntary outpatient treatment should be reported to the Central Criminal Records Exchange and kept from purchasing a weapon.I issued an Executive Order to clarify that all who are determined mentally ill and
dangerous should be included in the state database. This helped spur Congress to pass meaningful, bipartisan legislation to encourage the same result on a national level.
Since 1991, Virginia has required that anyone purchasing any type of firearm from
a licensed dealer undergo a background check. I support 2nd Amendment rights, but if we are to enforce current law keeping guns out of the hands of dangerous individuals, we must require instant background checks for purchase of weapons at gun shows.
Source: 2008 State of the State address to Virginia Assembly
Jan 9, 2008
Donald McEachin:
Reduce gun violence with universal background checks
Donald knows we have an urgent responsibility to prevent crime and improve public safety. In Congress, Donald will:- work to reduce gun violence by requiring universal background checks, renewing the assault weapons ban, and enacting other
common-sense reforms
- work to correct biases and disparities in policing and sentencing, both by changing unfair laws and by funding priorities like greater oversight, increased training, and body cameras for local law enforcement
Source: 2016 Virginia House campaign website DonaldMcEachin.com
Nov 8, 2016
Scott Taylor:
Second Amendment is about individual right to bear arms
With an A rating from the NRA, Scott Taylor has a record of strongly supporting the 2nd Amendment. The Heller and McDonald Supreme Court decisions are landmark cases that state that the Second Amendment to the Constitution includes an individual's
right to bear arms. Scott's story and his views on firearms was recently the subject of a Soldier of Fortune cover story. Scott will oppose legislation that diminishes the rights of Americans protected by the Second Amendment.
Source: 2016 Virginia House campaign website ScottTaylor.US
Nov 8, 2016
Terry McAuliffe:
Keep guns out of the hands of domestic abusers
Last year we worked together on a historic bipartisan package to keep guns out of the hands of domestic abusers and people who cannot pass background checks.
The legislation we passed included the first meaningful restrictions on dangerous gun ownership in a generation, and showed the rest of the world that common sense compromise on this issue is possible.
This year, we have an opportunity to strengthen the domestic violence protection law, which is already the toughest in the nation, by expanding it to include non-family abuse orders as well as permanent protective orders.
This change would keep more Virginians safe from gun crime. Additionally, let's make 2017 the year we make universal background checks for firearm sales the policy of our Commonwealth.
Source: 2017 State of the State address to Virginia Legislature
Jan 11, 2017
Corey Stewart:
Gave away a semi-automatic rifle in campaign raffle
Q: Support more restrictive gun control legislation? Restrict semi-automatic weapons?Tim Kaine (D): Yes. Co-sponsored bill to ban military-style assault weapons, high-capacity ammunition magazines, & bump stocks.
Supports improved background checks.
Corey Stewart (R): No. Supports absolute right to gun ownership. Gave away a semi-automatic rifle in raffle to highlight his position.
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Virginia Senate race
Oct 9, 2018
Tim Kaine:
Ban assault weapons, high-capacity ammo, & bump stocks
Q: Support more restrictive gun control legislation? Restrict semi-automatic weapons?Tim Kaine (D): Yes. Co-sponsored bill to ban military-style assault weapons, high-capacity ammunition magazines, & bump stocks.
Supports improved background checks.
Corey Stewart (R): No. Supports absolute right to gun ownership. Gave away a semi-automatic rifle in raffle to highlight his position.
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Virginia Senate race
Oct 9, 2018
Ralph Northam:
Start with universal background checks
We should work together this year to address the public health crisis of gun violence. Gunshots kill more people in Virginia every year than car accidents, but if you walk into the right gun show, it's easier to get a firearm than it is to rent a car.
There are many actions we should take over our time together to save lives by reducing gun violence. Let's start by keeping guns out of the hands of people who shouldn't have them by passing universal background checks.
As long as Virginians' lives are at risk because there are too many guns in the hands of people who would use them to harm others, we will fight on this ground. As long as schools, churches, offices and concert venues are exposed to horrific,
preventable violence, we will fight on this ground. As long as the people who sent us all here continue to cry out for solutions to the epidemic of gun violence, we will fight on this ground.
Source: 2018 State of the State speech to Virginia legislature
Jan 16, 2018
Corey Stewart:
Make it easier to carry concealed guns
As a strong supporter of the 2nd Amendment,
Corey led the charge to remove all county fees associated with the concealed carry permit--the first locality in Virginia to do so.
Source: 2018 Virginia Senatorial website CoreyStewart.com
Sep 1, 2017
Daniel Gade:
Right to protect ourselves by keeping and bearing arms
Our civil rights include the right to live in accordance with our religious principles, the right to unrestricted free speech and exchange of ideas,
and the right to protect ourselves by keeping and bearing arms. This is the only way to ensure equal protection and justice for all, regardless of race, class, or creed.
Source: 2020 Virginia Senate campaign website GadeForVirginia.com
Dec 25, 2019
Ralph Northam:
Common sense gun laws do not violate Second Amendment
Last summer, after the terrible shooting in Virginia Beach, I called the previous General Assembly into special session to take immediate action. I proposed eight common-sense measures, designed to keep firearms away from dangerous persons.
But there was no action. The measures I proposed did not receive a hearing.We are back, with eight common-sense measures to keep dangerous persons away from firearms.
This common-sense legislation does not violate the Second Amendment. No one is calling out the National Guard. No one is cutting off your electricity or turning off the Internet. No one is going door-to-door to confiscate guns.
These laws are intended to keep Virginians safe. Period. It's time to act.
Source: 2020 Virginia State of the State address
Jan 8, 2020
Jennifer McClellan:
For universal background checks, red flag laws
As a legislator, Jennifer McClellan has taken on the NRA and fought for common sense measures to reduce gun violence. Jenn led the fight in the Senate to require the reporting of lost or stolen firearms and co-patroned new laws to reinstate
Virginia's one-gun-a-month rule and to implement universal background checks. She also fought for measures to require individuals subject to protective orders or "red flag" orders to relinquish firearms during the pendency of the order.
Source: 2021 Virginia governor campaign website JennMcClellanVA.com
Feb 18, 2021
Kirk Cox:
Second Amendment is a foundational God-given right
Kirk Cox believes the Second Amendment is a foundational and God-given right critical to freedom. Kirk taught ALL of the amendments to the Constitution for 30 years as a government teacher, and firmly believes the founders understood that the Second
Amendment is the only thing standing between us and tyranny. For his entire career, Kirk Cox has consistently defended the Second Amendment, law-abiding gun owners, sportsmen, and the individual right to keep and bear arms.As Majority Leader, he
advanced pro-Second Amendment legislation, whether it was improving our concealed carry laws, allowing responsible gun owners to store firearms, or ending one gun per month. When the Attorney General tried to unilaterally end reciprocity for concealed
carry, Cox and the House of Delegates stepped in and fixed it.
Kirk Cox has a lifetime A rating from the NRA and has voted on the side of gun owners every single time he had the chance to do so. And as Governor, his fight would continue.
Source: 2021 Virginia governor campaign website KirkCox.com
Feb 19, 2021
Terry McAuliffe:
Fight for common sense solutions to preventing gun violence
Virginia took critical steps during the 2020 legislative session and passed a number of life-saving bills, but much work remains to be done. We have to continue fighting until we require background checks on every gun transfer or rental, assault
weapons are no longer allowed on our streets, and people across the Commonwealth no longer live in fear about the daily gun violence in their communities. Terry will continue to fight for common sense solutions to preventing gun violence.
Source: 2021 Virginia governor campaign website Terry McAuliffe.com
Dec 22, 2020
Pete Snyder:
Our 2nd Amendment right is sacred
If there was ever a poster child for why our 2nd Amendment right is sacred, it was the lawlessness of 2020.
I won't allow radical liberals to strip us of our inalienable rights. When you give up even an inch, they take a mile.
Source: Facebook posting on 2021 Virginia Governor race
Jan 28, 2020
Jennifer Wexton:
Ban bump stocks; close the gun show loophole
Q: What policies do you propose to reduce gun violence?A: I am a strong advocate for gun violence prevention and have consistently fought for common sense legislation to keep our communities safe. In the State Senate, I have championed and
voted for bills that would establish universal background checks and close the gun show loophole, ban bumpstocks, mandate the reporting of lost and stolen firearms, and keep firearms out of the hands of domestic abusers and those convicted of stalking.
In Congress, I will support legislation that expands mandatory background checks on gun purchases, closes loopholes that allow criminals to purchase firearms, establishes a ban on sales of military-style assault weapons and high-capacity magazines,
and not only allows the federal government to study gun violence as a public health issue, but also gives them the resources to do so.
Source: League of Women Voters: 2018 Virginia voting records
Sep 9, 2018
Corey Stewart:
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 Virginia Senate candidate
May 18, 2018
Glenn Youngkin:
Trump: Glenn is pro-Second Amendment & pro-America
Less than 12 hours after Glenn Youngkin locked up the GOP nomination for Virginia governor on Monday night, former President Donald Trump barreled into 2021's most competitive statewide election. "Glenn is pro-Business, pro-Second
Amendment, pro-Veterans, pro-America, he knows how to make Virginia's economy rip-roaring, and he has my Complete and Total Endorsement!" Trump wrote in a statement Tuesday morning that was circulated by his political action committee.
Source: Politico.com on 2021 Virginia Gubernatorial race
May 11, 2021
Mark Warner:
Support assault weapons ban plus background checks
Sen. Mark Warner (D-VA) writing in the Washington Post: "In the years since the Senate last had a meaningful debate about gun-violence legislation, we've seen assault rifles and high-capacity magazines repeatedly used in mass shootings,
with ever-higher body counts. "We've seen the gun lobby close its eyes to the fact that assault rifles were the weapon of choice for the mass shooters at Parkland, Fla., and at
Sandy Hook Elementary School--and to the reality that these weapons can kill with an efficiency that shotguns and handguns, like the ones I own, simply cannot match.
"Though I remain convinced that strengthening our background-check system
is critical, I also believe we must do more to end mass shootings. So today I am signing on as a sponsor of the assault weapons ban."
Source: PoltiicalWire.com on 2018 Virginia Senate race
Oct 2, 2018
Amanda Chase:
Running for governor to uphold right to carry arms
Amanda Chase, the gun-carrying Republican state senator, is running for governor. She cited Democratic gun control proposals as the reason. "I can no longer just continue to hold accountable the legislators that embrace the stripping of law-abiding
citizens of their Second Amendment rights and their constitutional freedoms. I'm going to do something about it." She started carrying a pistol last year and has continued to carry a gun inside legislative buildings despite new rules barring firearms.
Source: Richmond Times-Dispatch on 2021 Virginia gubernatorial race
Feb 17, 2020
Amanda Chase:
I don't leave my house without carrying a firearm, ever
As for the Second Amendment, Chase is a staunch ally, perhaps the most well-known ally of the Second Amendment in the state. Nicknamed Sen. Annie Oakley, Chase mentioned that it's personal to her, as she open carries wherever she goes. She also
said it's the next line of defense in case police aren't able to get to the scene quickly to assist. "I don't leave my house without carrying a firearm, ever. Not even when I go for a walk around my neighborhood," she said. 'It's very important to me."
Source: Smith Mountain Eagle on 2021 Virginia Gubernatorial race
Nov 25, 2020
Jennifer McClellan:
Opposed allowing concealed carry permits from other states
McClellan pointed out legislators have given local officials more control over guns. The legislature could have "gone farther" by having Virginia stop recognizing concealed carry permits issued by other states with looser rules. "Our attorney general
was on the right track to put us there and Gov. McAuliffe made a deal that gave that away," McClellan said. That legislation overturned Attorney General Mark Herring's decision to stop recognizing concealed carry permits from 25 other states.
Source: Virginia Mercury on 2021 Virginia Gubernatorial debate
Apr 6, 2021
Terry McAuliffe:
Got stiffer gun laws against domestic violence offenders
McClellan said that McAuliffe gave away out of state concealed carry rule. In exchange, McAuliffe got agreements from Republicans to support stiffer laws barring domestic violence offenders from having guns.
McAuliffe defended the bill, arguing it had a tangible impact by removing guns from dangerous situations. "There are thousands of women today who are safe because of that law," McAuliffe said.
Source: Virginia Mercury on 2021 Virginia Gubernatorial debate
Apr 6, 2021
Jennifer Carroll Foy:
Got impactful, commonsense gun safety legislation passed
Democrats initially tried to pass eight measures Gov. Ralph Northam had proposed last year, including a ban on assault-style weapons. Moderate Democrats got cold feet, and that ban didn't pass. "I am a little disappointed we weren't able to get the
eight out of eight gun safety bills brought forth by the governor," said Carroll Foy. Still, she added, "we were able to get very impactful, commonsense gun safety legislation passed."
Source: WAMU 88.5-FM on 2021 Virginia Gubernatorial race
Mar 10, 2020
Creigh Deeds:
Postpone ban on assault weapons and high-capacity magazines
A Virginia Senate committee killed a bill that would have banned the sale of assault-style weapons and possession of high-capacity magazines, part of a package of eight gun-control measures. The House has passed all eight of the bills, proposed by Gov.
Ralph Northam (D). But four Democrats--including Sen. R. Creigh Deeds (Bath)--sided with Republicans on the Senate Judiciary Committee to reject the assault weapons bill for the year, on a 10-to-5 vote. Deeds noted that there were "a lot of
questions" about the definition of assault weapon before moving to wait on the bill for the year. Democratic supporters tried to counter with a motion to hold out only for the day, but Deeds prevailed.
The bill defined "assault firearm" as any
semiautomatic centerfire rifle or pistol with a fixed magazine capacity greater than 12 rounds. It also would have applied to any semiautomatic centerfire rifle or pistol that can accept a detachable magazine and also has one of several other features.
Source: Washington Post on 2020 Virginia voting record
Feb 17, 2019
Ralph Northam:
Ban assault-style weapons and high-capacity magazines
A Virginia Senate committee killed a bill that would have banned the sale of assault-style weapons and possession of high-capacity magazines, handing gun rights activists a rare win in a Capitol that Democrats won last year on the promise
of sweeping gun control.Gov. Ralph Northam (D) backed the legislation, part of a package of eight gun-control measures he advanced after a shooter killed 12 people at a Virginia Beach municipal building on May 31. Republicans' refusal to act on those
bills last summer, in a special session that they gaveled out in 90 minutes, became a rallying cry for Democrats in November elections. They flipped the state House and Senate blue for the first time in a generation.
The House has passed all
eight of Northam's bills. But four Democrats sided with Republicans on the Senate Judiciary Committee to reject the assault weapons bill for the year. On a 10-to-5 vote, the committee sent the measure to the state's Crime Commission for study.
Source: Washington Post on 2020 Virginia voting record
Feb 17, 2019
Terry McAuliffe:
Promises to ban assault rifles and high-capacity magazines
McAuliffe, repeating the phrases "lean in" and "big and bold," tried both to invoke his record as governor and to draw attention to a website packed with plans for future policy. He emphasized his record restoring voting rights to thousands of felons as
a high point of his career. He stressed gun control, promising to ban assault rifles and high-capacity magazines; boasted of issuing more pardons than any other governor; and condemned a "racist criminal justice system."
Source: Washington Post on 2021 Virginia Gubernatorial debate
Apr 6, 2021
Glenn Youngkin:
Against red flag laws, universal background checks
[On gun rights]: "I will not sign a piece of legislation that has anything to do with imposing limitations on our Second Amendment," Youngkin said in a Facebook Live interview. He would support rolling back gun-control legislation. Those measures
include a "red flag" law intended to take weapons away from people deemed by a judge to be in imminent danger of harming themselves or others. Others restrict handgun purchases to one per month & require criminal background checks for all firearms sales.
Source: Washington Post on 2021 Virginia Gubernatorial race
May 26, 2021
Daniel Gade:
For concealed carry reciprocity: permit good nationwide
He opposes red flag laws, which enable authorities to temporarily take guns from people they believe are a danger to themselves or others. He also opposes banning assault weapons and suppressors. "We do need a couple of significant reforms to our
gun laws," Gade said. "For one, I am for concealed carry reciprocity, which means your Virginia concealed carry permit is good in all 50 states. And every other state's concealed carry permit is good in our state."
Source: Winchester Star on 2020 Virginia Senate race
May 4, 2020
Glenn Youngkin:
Lifetime NRA member, will push back against gun laws
[On the National Rifle Association]: "I'm a gun owner. I'm a lifetime member of the NRA. I understand what it means for the people to have the right to keep and bear arms. And as your governor, we will not just stand back, but we will push back," he
said. "I think one of the biggest problems we have around the Second Amendment is the people's misunderstanding of where the problem is," Youngkin said then. "And the problem is, in fact, with criminals and with mental health."
Source: WRIC ABC8 on 2021 Virginia Governor race
Jul 23, 2021
Ben Cline:
Bar sharing handgun info with states without reciprocity
SB948: Information on concealed handgun permittees in the VA Criminal Information Network shall not be shared with law enforcement in states that do not have reciprocity agreements with VA for the carrying of concealed handguns.Analysis by W-Y
Daily 1/26/15: The bill would affect states that do not have reciprocal agreements with Virginia. Maryland does not recognize concealed weapon permits issued in VA. The bill comes after gun owners expressed concerns about being targeted by MD
State Police.
Veto message: The sharing of concealed handgun permit information between law enforcement agencies provides officers advanced information concerning whether an individual may be armed. This information is imperative and
potentially life-saving.
Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 24-16-0 on Jan/22/15; Passed House 66-33-1 on Feb/17; State Delegate Ben Cline voted YES; Vetoed by Gov. McAuliffe on Mar/27; Veto sustained 24-16-0 (needed 27) on Apr/15.
Source: W-Y Daily analysis of Virginia voting records SB948
Feb 17, 2015
Creigh Deeds:
Share handgun info with Maryland despite no reciprocity
SB948: Information on concealed handgun permittees in the VA Criminal Information Network shall not be shared with law enforcement in states that do not have reciprocity agreements with VA for the carrying of concealed handguns.Analysis by W-Y
Daily 1/26/15: The bill would affect states that do not have reciprocal agreements with Virginia. Maryland does not recognize concealed weapon permits issued in VA. The bill comes after gun owners expressed concerns about being targeted by MD
State Police.
Veto message: The sharing of concealed handgun permit information between law enforcement agencies provides officers advanced information concerning whether an individual may be armed. This information is imperative and
potentially life-saving.
Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 24-16-0 on Jan/22/15; State Sen. Creigh Deeds voted NO; Passed House 66-33-1 on Feb/17; Vetoed by Gov. McAuliffe on Mar/27; Veto sustained 24-16-0 (needed 27) on Apr/15.
Source: W-Y Daily analysis of Virginia voting records SB948
Jan 22, 2015
Donald McEachin:
Share handgun info with Maryland despite no reciprocity
SB948: Information on concealed handgun permittees in the VA Criminal Information Network shall not be shared with law enforcement in states that do not have reciprocity agreements with VA for the carrying of concealed handguns.Analysis by W-Y
Daily 1/26/15: The bill would affect states that do not have reciprocal agreements with Virginia. Maryland does not recognize concealed weapon permits issued in VA. The bill comes after gun owners expressed concerns about being targeted by MD
State Police.
Veto message: The sharing of concealed handgun permit information between law enforcement agencies provides officers advanced information concerning whether an individual may be armed. This information is imperative and
potentially life-saving.
Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 24-16-0 on Jan/22/15; State Sen. Donald McEachin voted NO; Passed House 66-33-1 on Feb/17; Vetoed by Gov. McAuliffe on Mar/27; Veto sustained 24-16-0 (needed 27) on Apr/15.
Source: W-Y Daily analysis of Virginia voting records SB948
Jan 22, 2015
Scott Taylor:
Bar sharing handgun info with states without reciprocity
SB948: Information on concealed handgun permittees in the VA Criminal Information Network shall not be shared with law enforcement in states that do not have reciprocity agreements with VA for the carrying of concealed handguns.Analysis by W-Y
Daily 1/26/15: The bill would affect states that do not have reciprocal agreements with Virginia. Maryland does not recognize concealed weapon permits issued in VA. The bill comes after gun owners expressed concerns about being targeted by MD
State Police.
Veto message: The sharing of concealed handgun permit information between law enforcement agencies provides officers advanced information concerning whether an individual may be armed. This information is imperative and
potentially life-saving.
Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 24-16-0 on Jan/22/15; Passed House 66-33-1 on Feb/17; State Delegate Scott Taylor voted YES; Vetoed by Gov. McAuliffe on Mar/27; Veto sustained 24-16-0 (needed 27) on Apr/15.
Source: W-Y Daily analysis of Virginia voting records SB948
Feb 17, 2015
Terry McAuliffe:
Veto restrictions on sharing handgun info with Maryland
SB948: Information on concealed handgun permittees in the VA Criminal Information Network shall not be shared with law enforcement in states that do not have reciprocity agreements with VA for the carrying of concealed handguns.Analysis by W-Y
Daily 1/26/15: The bill would affect states that do not have reciprocal agreements with Virginia. Maryland does not recognize concealed weapon permits issued in VA. The bill comes after gun owners expressed concerns about being targeted by MD
State Police.
Veto message: The sharing of concealed handgun permit information between law enforcement agencies provides officers advanced information concerning whether an individual may be armed. This information is imperative and
potentially life-saving.
Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 24-16-0 on Jan/22/15; Passed House 66-33-1 on Feb/17; Vetoed by Gov. McAuliffe on Mar/27; Veto sustained 24-16-0 (needed 27) on Apr/15.
Source: W-Y Daily analysis of Virginia voting records SB948
Mar 27, 2015
Tom Garrett:
Bar sharing handgun info with states without reciprocity
SB948: Information on concealed handgun permittees in the VA Criminal Information Network shall not be shared with law enforcement in states that do not have reciprocity agreements with VA for the carrying of concealed handguns.Analysis by W-Y
Daily 1/26/15: The bill would affect states that do not have reciprocal agreements with Virginia. Maryland does not recognize concealed weapon permits issued in VA. The bill comes after gun owners expressed concerns about being targeted by MD
State Police.
Veto message: The sharing of concealed handgun permit information between law enforcement agencies provides officers advanced information concerning whether an individual may be armed. This information is imperative and
potentially life-saving.
Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 24-16-0 on Jan/22/15; Sen. Garrett co-sponsored bill & voted YES; Passed House 66-33-1 on Feb/17; Vetoed on Mar/27; Veto sustained 24-16-0 (needed 27) on Apr/15.
Source: W-Y Daily analysis of Virginia voting records SB948
Jan 22, 2015
Jennifer McClellan:
Share handgun info with Maryland despite no reciprocity
SB948: Information on concealed handgun permittees in the VA Criminal Information Network shall not be shared with law enforcement in states that do not have reciprocity agreements with VA for the carrying of concealed handguns.Analysis by W-Y
Daily 1/26/15: The bill would affect states that do not have reciprocal agreements with Virginia. Maryland does not recognize concealed weapon permits issued in VA. The bill comes after gun owners expressed concerns about being targeted by MD
State Police.
Veto message: The sharing of concealed handgun permit information between law enforcement agencies provides officers advanced information concerning whether an individual may be armed. This information is imperative and
potentially life-saving.
Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 24-16-0 on Jan/22/15; Passed House 66-33-1 on Feb/17; State Del. Jennifer McClellan voted NO; Vetoed by Gov. McAuliffe on Mar/27; Veto sustained 24-16-0 (needed 27) on Apr/15.
Source: W-Y Daily analysis of Virginia voting records SB948
Feb 17, 2015
Ralph Northam:
Appreciate thoughts & prayers but need commonsense gun laws
I brought the legislature back to Virginia for a special session. The Republicans spent less than 90 minutes addressing gun violence. Virginians stood up. They spoke. They said, enough is enough. They said that thoughts and prayers, we appreciate those,
but we want legislators that will come to Richmond and take votes and pass laws. So, I was pleased to sign seven pieces of commonsense gun legislation that will keep Virginians safe. That's what happens when people listen.
Source: CNN 2020 "State of the Union": 2021 Virginia Governor race
Apr 19, 2020
Page last updated: Feb 07, 2026