Author: RJ Brorsen

Representative Burns’ recent voting record reveals a troubling trend of undermining Second Amendment freedoms and eroding the rights of law-abiding citizens.

In 2015, Burns voted in favor of SB 11 (2015/84R), Amendment 1 (Zerwas), which expanded gun-free zones on college campuses, effectively restricting the ability of individuals to protect themselves in vulnerable situations.

Moreover, Burns continued this pattern in 2021 by opposing crucial pro-gun Amendments to strengthen the Constitutional Carry Bill (HB 1927), such as Amendment 6 (Cason), which sought to extend constitutional carry to 18-20 year olds. 

By denying this age group their right to bear arms, Burns demonstrated a disregard for the principles of the Second Amendment.

Additionally, Burns voted against Amendment 21 (Biedermann), which aimed to allow constitutional carry on college campuses, further limiting the ability of law-abiding citizens to exercise their constitutional rights.

Furthermore, Burns supported SB 728 (2023/88R), which codified parts of Joe Biden’s gun control agenda by expanding the NICS Gun Ban Registry. Of course Burns also voted to impeach America’s most pro-gun Attorney General, Ken Paxton.

To top it off, he voted to prohibit groups like Texas Gun Rights from talking about the voting records of politicians in an attempt to hide his bad votes from constituents!

These actions by Representative Burns highlight a concerning pattern of prioritizing restrictive gun policies over the rights of law-abiding citizens. It is essential for constituents to hold elected officials accountable and demand respect for the Second Amendment and the liberties it protects.

If you live in this district, call Dewayne Burns at (817) 645-3685 and tell him to start standing up for the Second Amendment!

Thankfully for gun owners, Burns’ opponent in the upcoming May 28th runoff, Helen Kerwin, has pledged her unwavering commitment to gun owners by returning her Texas Gun Rights Candidate Survey 100% pro-gun.

With her survey return, she pledged to oppose Biden’s radical gun control agenda, including Universal Gun Registration, “Red Flag” Gun Confiscation and any type of firearms bans. 

Even better, she pledged to support policies to expand Constitutional Carry for all legal adults, and pledged to fight to eliminate dangerous “gun free” criminal safety zones.

Kerwin’s campaign shows a clear contrast for gun owners in Texas House District 58.

In the early hours of March 19th, the ATF barged into Bryan Malinowski’s home in West Little Rock, Arkansas. Video evidence shows the agents, armed and donning full tactical gear, arriving at the Arkansan’s home in 10 separate vehicles. After rushing up the driveway, their first move was to cover up the home’s security camera with a piece of tape.

This occurred after the ATF surveilled Malinowski for several days. In a statement released by his family, Bryan’s wife, Maer, expressed her belief that intruders were breaking into her home, unaware that they were government agents.

In an act of self-defense amidst uncertainty, Malinowski grabbed his pistol and walked out of his bedroom to confront the ATF agents, whom he likely perceived as a threat to his family. He fired three shots towards the agents’ feet before being lethally shot in the head. To make matters worse, the ATF ensured their tracks were covered by not using body cams during the raid. 

The Malinowski family lost Bryan because the ATF suspected he was participating in selling firearms at gun shows without a federal firearms license. However, in Arkansas and Texas, it is legal for Americans to sell guns without an FFL or conducting a background check. Nevertheless, once the ATF deems someone to have crossed a subjective line, they can quickly turn ordinary citizens into criminals.

Bryan’s attorney noted that if found guilty, the punishment would have likely been less than a prison sentence, probation, or a pre-trial diversion.

Wives will lose their husbands, children will lose their fathers, and parents will lose their sons if the ATF is not held accountable for this death and countless others.

Texas Gun Rights is dedicated to bringing you stories like these so you can join us in our mission to defend Texans’ Second Amendment rights from tyrants.  Sign our petition to abolish the ATF here!

With local elections coming up here in Texas on May 4th, it’s important for gun owners to remember how local government can affect them. This is on full display in Tennessee, where the state Senate just passed a bill to ban local governments from imposing Extreme Risk Protection Orders (ERPO’s), or better known as Red Flag gun confiscation laws. 

Red flag laws turn everyday Americans into criminals without any evidence when someone reports them for being a threat to themselves or others. If this law passes in Tennessee, every single city and government agency in the state would be prohibited from implementing ERPOs on their communities. 

This move highlights the significant impact that state legislation can have on local gun policies, underscoring the importance of paying attention to both state and local elections for gun owners.

In Texas, a bill to do the same thing was killed when RINO’s Justin Holland and Sam Harless walked out of the committee vote last session – empowering anti-gun Democrats to kill the bill. Red Flag laws have no place in Texas. That’s why TXGR will be working with Representative Briscoe Cain once again to try and ban them next session. 

This is why gun owners should be mindful of ALL candidates’ stances on gun rights and their commitment to upholding the Second Amendment. While Texas state law generally preempts local governments from passing their own gun control measures, local officials still wield influence over issues like zoning regulations for shooting ranges and firearm sales, as well as law enforcement policies related to gun ownership.

Moreover, local governments serve as crucial platforms for advocacy and representation. By engaging with local officials, gun owners can ensure that their voices are heard in shaping policies that impact their rights and safety. Whether through attending city council meetings, participating in grassroots campaigns, or supporting candidates who prioritize Second Amendment rights, gun owners can actively contribute to the political process at the local level.

As the Tennessee example demonstrates, the decisions made by local governments can have far-reaching implications for gun owners’ rights and freedoms. By staying informed, engaged, and active in local politics, gun owners can help shape policies that uphold their Second Amendment rights while promoting public safety and well-being. With local elections just around the corner, now is the time for gun owners in Texas to make their voices heard and ensure that their interests are represented at the local level.

April 15, 2024

The Biden administration is doubling down on its plan to implement Universal Gun Registration by using the ATF to change the definition of what it means to be a “dealer” in firearms.

We’ve been talking to you about this for months, but the new 450-page rule has now been finalized and published!

This sweeping change aims to close the so-called “gun show loophole,” a misleading term used by anti-gun activists to push their radical agenda.

Under this new rule, even private individuals who sell just ONE firearm—perhaps to a friend or family member—could be required to obtain a federal firearms license (FFL).

How absurd!

This overreaching rule could turn ordinary Texans into criminals for simply exercising their constitutional rights.

Patriot, the Biden admin is using the ATF to bypass Congress and enforce gun control measures that have failed to pass through the legislative process.

It’s a backdoor attempt to impose Universal Gun Registration under the guise of universal background checks on all gun sales — including private transactions that have traditionally been exempt.

And this was all made possible by the “Bipartisan Safer Communities Act” spearheaded by John Cornyn, Joe Biden, and Chris Murphy in 2022.

Texas Gun Rights is gearing up to fight this rule in Congress and in the courts. Make sure you are subscribed to our weekly newsletter so that we can keep you in the loop on this case! (Sign up on our home page.)

April 12, 2024

One of the more “fun” losses gun owners are celebrating is the defeat of RINO Glenn Rogers. 

Despite only serving two terms in the Texas House, Rogers became one of the biggest critics of Texas Gun Rights. 

Why?

TXGR exposed his anti-gun record to his constituents, and they knew exactly what he was doing to take away their Second Amendment rights. Because of this, Glenn HATED us. So much so that he frequently attacked our organization online. 

In his biggest fit, Rogers whined about a billboard TXGR bought in his district asking constituents to call his office and tell him to stop supporting Biden’s gun control. 

Rogers was so upset that he compared our organization to a cult that  “communicate[s] through misinformation.” However, nothing about the billboard is false. Glenn did vote for this in the form of SB 728, which would bring state law into line with part of Biden’s gun control law by dumping millions of Texans’ records into the flawed NICS Gun Ban Registry

When it comes down to it, Rogers only played lip service to the Second Amendment when it made him look good, but never actually fought against the federal government when he had the opportunity to do so. 

Luckily, the constituents of HD 60 are getting the real pro-gun leadership they deserve with Mike Olcott, who beat Rogers on election day by over 20 points (Olcott pledged his unwavering commitment to the Second Amendment by returning his Texas Gun Rights candidate survey 100% pro-gun!)

Texans across the state hunger for more Second Amendment champions in office, and Texas Gun Rights is going to work tooth and nail to ensure they are informed about where their candidates stand on gun rights.

April 9, 2024

Just outside of San Antonio, challenger Alan Schoolcraft is taking on RINO (Republican in Name Only) John Kuempel. The incumbent has served in office since 2011, and his record on gun rights has been a mixed bag at best. 

In the last session, Kuempel voted to expand Biden’s gun control in Texas via SB 728. The bill would bring Texas law in line with Biden’s gun-grabbing policies by dumping millions of Texans’ records into the flawed NICS Gun Ban Registry. 

This bill is something TXGR has been holding so many Republicans accountable for because many of them, including Kuempel, claim to support the Second Amendment. Then, they travel down to Austin and vote for radical policies that help Joe Biden instead of law-abiding Texans. 

Kuempel also joined Democrats to vote for the Texas Gag Act. If this bill had been signed into law, incumbents would have been able to hide their anti-gun record from you, while groups like Texas Gun Rights would have been forced to release their entire list of membership records and donors if they dared to talk about the voting record of a politician. 

Texans should be able to hold their lawmakers accountable for bad votes they take. When incumbents work harder to pass bills like HB1585 than they did constitutional carry, Texans are able to see their true colors. 

That’s why TXGR is reporting the actions of Kuempel to constituents of HD 44 ahead of the May 28th runoff. It is critical that gun owners hold Kuempel’s feet to the fire for his actions so, win or lose, the winner of the runoff will know that protecting gun rights is a TOP priority of the district.

And there is good news: Kuempel’s challenger, Alan Schoolcraft, has already returned a pro-gun candidate survey to Texas Gun Rights, pledging his unwavering support of the Second Amendment. So if you are a resident of HD 44, call Kuempel at (512) 463-0602 and encourage him to stop supporting gun control and start fighting for gun owners! Then, contact Alan Schoolcraft to thank him for his commitment and encourage him to continue fighting for gun owners.

TXGR will continue to monitor the results of this election as they come in. Stay tuned for which runoff race we will cover next week!

April 5, 2024

Mitch Little’s victory over Kronda Thimesch in the HD 65 primary has sent ripples through the political landscape. Thimesch, who was removed from office by the voters, faced criticism for her lukewarm support for Second Amendment rights. Despite claiming to be pro-gun, her record suggested otherwise, leaving many constituents disillusioned.

During her time in office, Thimesch’s actions fell short of expectations for a staunch defender of gun freedoms. 

Thimesch voted for SB 728 to bring state law into line with part of Biden’s gun control law by dumping millions of Texans’ records into the flawed NICS Gun Ban Registry – instead of allowing Texas to exercise its new authority under the Second Amendment Sanctuary law.

She also took several more anti-gun votes, which you can find here. 

 However, with Mitch Little’s triumph, there’s newfound optimism among pro-gun constituents.

Mitch Little’s campaign emphasized unwavering support for Second Amendment rights, promising to always defend them. His victory, like others we have highlighted, signals a potential turning point, reflecting voters’ demand for principled and committed defenders of gun freedoms.

As Thimesch exits the stage, Mitch Little’s ascent offers hope for a new era of strong and unwavering pro-gun representation in the district. With his win, constituents anticipate a shift toward policies that better align with their values and priorities, ensuring that their Second Amendment rights are protected and upheld.

Representative Jim Jordan of Ohio, the Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, has launched an investigation into the Biden administration’s National Extreme Risk Protection Order Resource Center, which TXGR reported on last week. 

In his letter directed to Cassandra Crifasi and Joshua Horwitz, co-founders of the Johns Hopkins Center for Gun Violence Solutions, Jordan seeks clarity on the center’s operations and the ramifications of red flag laws. Jordan’s scrutiny of the allocation of taxpayer-funded grants and adherence to legal provisions underscores the imperative of oversight in safeguarding individual liberties.

The National Extreme Risk Protection Order Resource Center, heralded by Vice President Kamala Harris and Attorney General Merrick Garland, “will provide training and technical assistance to law enforcement officials, prosecutors, attorneys, judges, clinicians, victim service and social service providers, community organizations, and behavioral health professionals responsible for implementing laws designed to keep guns out of the hands of people who pose a threat to themselves or others.”

The aforementioned laws allow for the confiscation of firearms from individuals who are subjectively deemed a threat to themselves or others without due process. This is a huge violation of the constitutional rights of gun owners. 

Jordan’s concerns regarding the expansive criteria for petitioning extreme risk protection orders and the minimal standard of probable cause required for firearm seizure are paramount. Such laws, if not carefully crafted and executed, erode due process and infringe on individuals’ rights without adequate proof.

Moreover, Jordan’s call for transparency and accountability in the allocation of taxpayer-funded grants and adherence to legal provisions underscores his commitment to oversight and ensuring that government initiatives operate within the bounds of the law.

Jordan’s scrutiny of the Biden administration proves that he understands the reality of these laws and is working to ensure that fundamental liberties are not compromised in the name of “public safety.” By launching an inquiry into the center’s operations and the potential infringement on individual rights, Jordan demonstrates his commitment to protecting civil liberties.

In a time of heightened scrutiny and polarization, Jordan’s scrutiny of the National Extreme Risk Protection Order Resource Center offers a glimpse of hope for a future where constitutional principles remain steadfastly upheld. His steadfast dedication to protecting individual liberties resonates as a timeless reminder of the importance of preserving the freedoms enshrined in the Constitution.

Americans recognize this encroachment on their rights. That’s why a recent poll showed that the President’s approval rating on guns dropped below 30%. 

As the federal government continually encroaches on your rights, it’s important now more than ever to let them know you are watching. Sign this petition to stop marxist gun control and let your lawmakers know you will hold them accountable for taking away your rights. 

March 28, 2024

Last week, we profiled the race in House District 21, where challenger David Covey is squaring off against anti-gun Speaker of the Texas House, Dade Phelan. 

Now, we are moving north to Texas House District 64, where Andy Hopper is taking on Lynn Stucky. 

In recent years, Texas Representative Lynn Stucky has presented himself as a staunch defender of Second Amendment rights. However, his voting record tells a different story. Stucky’s actions in the state legislature have consistently undermined gun rights and left Texans vulnerable to the encroachment of unconstitutional gun control measures.

Stucky’s support for for SB 728, effectively enabling the insertion of Thich codified parts of Joe Biden and John Cornyn’s Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, stands in direct contradiction to his supposed commitment to gun rights. By aligning himself with this legislation, Stucky facilitated the implementation of policies that erode the Second Amendment freedoms of Texans by funneling more Texans into the massively flawed NICS gun ban database. Despite co-authoring Texas’ “Second Amendment Sanctuary” law in 2021, which was meant to prevent Biden gun control from coming to Texas, Stucky gave Biden what he wanted anyway!

Furthermore, Stucky’s voting history reveals a pattern of watering down pro-gun initiatives. He opposed Constitutional Carry on college campuses, denied expansion of Constitutional Carry to all legal adults, and rejected Constitutional Carry on lands managed by the Lower Colorado River Authority. These actions not only hindered efforts to expand gun rights but also contributed to the creation of a convoluted patchwork of gun laws that confuse law-abiding gun owners.

Moreover, Stucky’s endorsement of the Texas Gag Act, aimed at silencing grassroots organizations like Texas Gun Rights, further underscores his betrayal of conservative values. By voting to suppress free speech and shield his anti-gun record from public scrutiny, Stucky has revealed his true allegiance to partisan interests rather than the constitutional rights of his constituents.

Additionally, Stucky even voted to impeach America’s most pro-gun Attorney General, Ken Paxton.

Texans deserve representatives who will unwaveringly defend their Second Amendment rights. Stucky’s track record of anti-gun votes and alliances with anti-gun Democrats make it clear that he is not the advocate Texans need in their corner. It’s time for voters to hold Stucky accountable for his betrayal and demand true champions of gun rights to represent their interests in Austin.

Luckily for pro-gun Texans, Stucky is in a contentious runoff he might not be able to make through. One of his opponent’s top issues is defending the Second Amendment. 

You can read the strong positions Andy Hopper has on defending our Second Amendment rights here. Not only that, Hopper pledged his unwavering commitment to protecting your rights by returning his Texas Gun Rights candidate survey 100% pro-gun.

Texas needs more leaders dedicated to protecting the Second Amendment. That’s why the Texas Gun Right PAC was proud to endorse Andy Hopper, and we wish him the best in May!

March 28, 2024

Gun owners in the Houston area are celebrating a tremendous victory after they successfully “bagged and tagged” a trophy RINO (Republican In Name Only) during the HD 26 primary election.

Former State Representative Jacey Jetton officially lost his bid for re-election, marking a huge victory for Second Amendment rights. While Jetton claimed to be pro-gun, his record tells a different story.

During his time in office, Jetton supported measures that aligned with Biden’s gun control initiatives, betraying the trust of gun owners in his district. He voted in favor of SB 728, which mirrored parts of Biden’s gun control law by transferring Texans’ records into the flawed NICS Gun Ban Registry. Instead of standing up for Texas’ Second Amendment Sanctuary law, Jetton chose to comply with federal overreach.

Furthermore, Jetton’s actions spoke louder than his words when he voted to impeach Attorney General Ken Paxton, one of the most pro-gun figures in America. While pro-gun reforms like the Second Amendment Preservation Act languished, Jetton prioritized a baseless impeachment effort against Paxton.

Adding insult to injury, Jetton supported the Texas Gag Act, a blatant attack on free speech and grassroots advocacy. This legislation would have forced groups like Texas Gun Rights to disclose membership records and donors simply for discussing politicians’ voting records. Thankfully, the Texas Senate rejected this assault on First Amendment rights, but Jetton’s support for such measures revealed his disregard for the constitutional freedoms of Texans.

Texans have spoken loud and clear by rejecting Jacey Jetton at the polls. It’s time for elected officials to listen to their constituents and prioritize defending Second Amendment rights over partisan agendas.