Tim Walz’s position on guns and gun control – a breakdown.
Amid a backdrop of horrifying mass shootings, including devastating school shootings, the political landscape regarding gun laws underwent a profound shift for then-Rep. Tim Walz back in 2017. Fast forward to the present day, as Kamala Harris’ running mate, his unwavering commitment to gun safety has sparked controversy, particularly drawing criticism from the National Rifle Association (NRA).
Throughout his tenure as the governor of Minnesota, Walz has displayed a marked departure from his previous stance on guns and gun control during his six terms in the House, aligning himself with more liberal positions. Representing a predominantly conservative district that borders Iowa to the south for 12 years, from 2007 to 2019, Walz, an Army National Guard veteran and avid hunter, was notably commended by “Guns and Ammo” in its list of “top 20 politicians for gun owners” in 2016.
However, in a state like Minnesota, which leans blue overall, Walz’s gubernatorial campaign and subsequent leadership have mirrored the progressive sentiments of the population at large. This shift towards more stringent gun control measures has drastically altered his relationship with the NRA, transitioning from receiving “A” ratings in his congressional races from 2010 to 2016 to ultimately garnering an “F” rating during his gubernatorial candidacy in 2018, as reported by Everytown for Gun Safety.
The public fallout of this shift was evident when Walz candidly admitted on Twitter, “It’s true. I’m a veteran, a hunter, and a gun owner. But I’m also a dad. And for many years, I was a teacher. It’s about keeping our kids safe. I had an A rating from the NRA. Now I get straight F’s. And I sleep just fine.” This stark evolution in his NRA rating has prompted accusations of political opportunism from Randy Kozuch, the chairman of the NRA Political Victory Fund, who labeled Walz a “political chameleon” with self-serving motives.
Walz’s association with gun safety reform gained significant traction following the tragic 2017 Las Vegas mass shooting, where he publicly pledged to donate his $18,000 NRA campaign contributions to the Intrepid Fallen Heroes fund, highlighting his commitment to supporting families of fallen service members. Post the Las Vegas incident, during his gubernatorial bid, Walz firmly reiterated his stance on universal background checks, opposition to concealed carry legislation, and support for mental health services funding, emphasizing the need to keep firearms away from individuals deemed dangerous.
In the aftermath of another harrowing school shooting in Parkland, Florida, Walz further underscored his dedication to curbing gun violence by advocating for an assault weapons ban. In a poignant piece for the Star Tribune, he emphasized the importance of listening to various stakeholders affected by gun violence and echoed their resounding plea for change.
Walz has consistently framed his advocacy for background checks and red-flag policies as practical measures that uphold the Second Amendment, dismissing the notion of an inherent conflict between responsible gun ownership and gun safety laws. John Feinblatt, president of Everytown for Gun Safety, lauded Walz as a beacon for responsible gun ownership, asserting that he stands tall against the pervasive narrative propagated by radical gun lobbies.
Feinblatt further praised Walz’s proactive approach in enacting comprehensive gun safety legislation and his willingness to return past NRA contributions to aid his fellow veterans, positioning him as a formidable opponent against the undue influence of gun lobbyists. With unyielding resolve, Governor Walz continues to champion substantive gun control measures that prioritize public safety while honoring the constitutional rights of all citizens.
