2nd Amendment Grades for Texas' 2024 Political Candidates
Grading Methodologyfor a Candidate's Second Amendment Stance
Texas' candidates are graded based on their previous 2A voting records, public statements on their constituents owning firearms, and their willingness to focus on 2A issues. Given our research on this criteria, we've assigned the following grades to those running for office:
Pro-2A Voting History, Outspoken Advocate for Second Amendment Rights, Displays a Strong and Consistent Stand Against 2A Infringements, Makes 2A Rights a Priority.
Claims to Support 2A Rights, Votes No to 2A Infringements, Makes Second Amendment Rights a Priority.
Does Not Support Gun Control Measures, is Not An Active Advocate Support for the Second Amendment.
Does Not Support All Gun Control Measures, Does Not Actively Introduce Anti-2A Legislation.
Actively Campaigns for Gun Control, Proposes New Gun Control Legislation.
Voting History Key:
We use these symbols throughout the article to show you how politicians voted on legislation that impacts your 2A rights.
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anti 2AAn Act Against the 2nd Amendment
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pro 2AAn Act in Support of the 2nd Amendment
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voted YES
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voted NO
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voted YES (sponsor or co‑sponsor)
Politicians Running for Federal Office in 2024
Texas has 38 House of Representatives seats and 2 Senate seats at the federal level. The following candidates were selected for our grading system based on either high-profile races or battleground districts (those with a narrow margin in 2022) in Texas:
Ted Cruz REPUBLICAN INCUMBENT
Running for U.S. Senate
Voting History
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anti 2ABipartisan Safer Communities Act
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anti 2A2013 Assault Weapons Ban
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anti 2A2013 Limits Firearm Magazine Capacity
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pro 2A2013 Authorizes Reciprocity for the Carrying of Certain Firearms
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pro 2ADefend Our Capital Act of 2015
Ted Cruz's Second Amendment Stance
Ted Cruz makes consistent statements about protecting the individual's right to keep and bear arms.
- Supports abolishing the ATF.
- Consistently supports the Second Amendment in Tweets, comments, statements, and votes.
Most Important Issues
Unfortunately, Ted Cruz doesn't have a strong legislative stance.
- American Energy Independence
- Foreign Policy
- Anti-Green Energy Bills
Summary
Ted Cruz strongly advocates for the Second Amendment, although it doesn't seem to be a top priority for this Senator.
Colin Allred DEMOCRAT CANDIDATE
Running for U.S. Senate
Voting History
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anti 2AAssault Weapons Ban of 2022
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anti 2AEnhanced Background Checks Act of 2021
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anti 2AFederal Extreme Risk Protection Order Act
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anti 2AProtecting Our Kids Act
Colin Allred's Second Amendment Stance
- Consistently supports Federal Gun Control bills.
- Supports weapons bans, background checks, safe storage laws, and all gun control legislation.
Most Important Issues
- Green Energy
- Healthcare
- Economy
Summary
Colin Allred consistently supports and introduces anti-2A legislative action.
Dan Crenshaw REPUBLICAN INCUMBENT
Running for U.S. House District 2
Voting History
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anti 2AAssault Weapons Ban of 2022
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anti 2ABipartisan Safer Communities Act
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anti 2AFederal Extreme Risk Protection Order Act of 2021
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anti 2AEnhanced Background Checks of 2021
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pro 2AATF Accountability Act of 2023
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anti 2A2023 NDAA
Dan Crenshaw's Second Amendment Stance
- Consistently supports the Second Amendment in statements.
- Consistently votes No to anti-2A legislation.
- Votes for bills that include anti-2A legislation.
Most Important Issues
- Border Security
- Healthcare
- Education
- Anti-Green Energy Legislation
Summary
Dan Crenshaw consistently makes statements and supports pro-2A legislation. However, he also voted yes for bills that included restrictive legislation and helped codify the 1988 Undetectable Firearms Act.
Peter Filler DEMOCRAT CANDIDATE
Running for U.S. House in District 2
Peter Filler's Second Amendment Stance
- Supports gun control legislation like firearm storage laws.
Most Important Issues
- Education
- Economy
- Foreign Affairs
Summary
Peter Filler makes statements supporting gun control but doesn’t appear to prioritize it.
Monica De La Cruz REPUBLICAN INCUMBENT
Running for U.S. House in District 15
Voting History
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pro 2AStopping Unconstitutional Background Checks Act
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pro 2AFederal Firearms Licensee Protection Act of 2023
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pro 2ANo Retaining Every Gun in a System That Restricts Your Rights Act
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pro 2AATF Accountability Act of 2023
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pro 2AConcealed Carry Reciprocity Act
Monica De La Cruz's Second Amendment Stance
- Consistently votes to protect FFL dealers.
- Occasionally makes statements to protect Americans' 2A rights.
Most Important Issues
- Energy
- Healthcare
- Immigration
- National Security
Summary
Monica De La Cruz is a staunch supporter of the 2A and co-sponsors pro-2A bills but focuses more on other key issues.
Michelle Vallejo DEMOCRAT CANDIDATE
Running for U.S. House District 15
Michelle Vallejo's Second Amendment Stance
- Endorsed by the pro-gun control lobby group Giffords.
- Supports Red Flag Laws and stricter background checks.
Most Important Issues
- Gun control
- Reproductive rights & Healthcare
- Education
- Immigration
Summary
Michelle Vallejo is a staunch supporter of gun control and will focus on that as a key issue.
Tony Gonzales REPUBLICAN INCUMBENT
Running for U.S. House in District 23
Voting History
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anti 2AAssault Weapons Ban of 2022
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anti 2ABipartisan Safer Communities Act
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anti 2AFederal Extreme Risk Protection Order Act of 2021
Tony Gonzales' Second Amendment Stance
- Has supported bipartisan legislation on gun control.
- Supports some gun control.
Most Important Issues
- Border Security
- Law enforcement
- Education
- Pro-Life
Summary
Tony Gonzales supports some gun control and doesn’t make an effort to fight existing infringements.
Brandon Herrara REPUBLICAN CANDIDATE
Running for U.S. House in District 23
Brandon Herrera's Second Amendment Stance
- A staunch opponent of any restrictions on the Second Amendment.
- Well-known 2A influencer with a long history of pro-2A advocacy.
- Works with the NRA, GOA, FPC, and Young Americans for Liberty.
Most Important Issues
- Second Amendment rights
- Constitutionalism
Summary
Brandon Herrara is a staunch 2A supporter with a proven record of advocacy but has no voting record yet.
Henry Cuellar DEMOCRAT INCUMBENT
Running for U.S. House in District 28
Voting History
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anti 2AAssault Weapons Ban of 2022
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anti 2ABipartisan Safer Communities Act
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anti 2AFederal Extreme Risk Protection Order Act of 2021
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anti 2AEnhanced Background Checks Act of 2019
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anti 2AConcealed Carry Reciprocity Act of 2017
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anti 2ACongressional Disapproval of SSA
Henry Cuellar's Second Amendment Stance
- Doesn't always vote for gun control.
- Consistently makes statements supporting stricter gun laws.
- Co-sponsors federal legislation that restricts the Second Amendment.
Most Important Issues
- Education
- Transportation
- Energy
- Healthcare
Summary
Henry Cuellar doesn't support every gun control bill introduced, but he does support 2A restrictions.
Jay Furman REPUBLICAN CANDIDATE
Running for U.S. House District 28
Jay Furman's Second Amendment Stance
- 2A supporter on Twitter.
- Supports the Second Amendment on his website.
Most Important Issues
- The Second Amendment
- Education
- Border security
Summary
Jay Furman is a staunch 2A supporter and deserves the support of his district's gun owners.
Lazaro Garza Jr. REPUBLICAN CANDIDATE
Running for U.S. House District 28
Lazaro Garza Jr.'s Second Amendment Stance
- Claims to support the 2A on his website.
- Small social media presence and doesn’t speak on many 2A issues.
Most Important Issues
- Second Amendment rights
- Border security
- Law enforcement
- Education
Summary
Lazaro Garza Jr. rarely speaks on 2A issues publicly but does claim to support the Second Amendment.
Vicente Gonzalez Jr. DEMOCRAT CANDIDATE
Running for U.S. House in District 34
Voting History
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anti 2AAssault Weapons Ban of 2022
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anti 2ABipartisan Safer Communities Act
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anti 2AFederal Extreme Risk Protection Order Act of 2021
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anti 2AEnhanced Background Checks Act of 2021
Vicente Gonzalez Jr.'s Second Amendment Stance
- Does not support an assault weapons ban.
- Does support red flag laws, waiting periods, background checks, and magazine bans.
Most Important Issues
- Environment
- Economy
- Education
- Foreign Relations
Summary
Vicente Gonzalez Jr. supports most gun control but not all of it.
Mayra Flores REPUBLICAN CANDIDATE
Running for U.S. House in District 34
Voting History
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anti 2ABipartisan Safer Communities Act
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anti 2AAssault Weapons Ban of 2022
Mayra Flores' Second Amendment Stance
- Supports alternatives to gun control like mental health resources and school security.
- States that she doesn’t support gun control.
Most Important Issues
- Border
- Educational Freedom
- Economy
- Women’s rights
Summary
Mayra Flores votes no on gun control bills and claims to support the Second Amendment; however, she isn’t a staunch or outspoken 2A advocate.
Politicians Running for State Office in 2024: Texas
Texas has 150 House Districts and 31 State Senate Districts. The following districts are key battleground areas with less than a 10% margin of victory in prior elections.
Running for State Senate District 8
Angela Paxton
REPUBLICAN
Rachel Mello
DEMOCRAT
Endorsement
Angela Paxton due to her previous voting history and prioritizing 2A rights.
Running for State Senate District 27
Adam Hinojosa
REPUBLICAN
Morgan Lamantia
DEMOCRAT
Endorsement
Adam Hinojosa who wrote to us, "I am an ardent believer that our rights are inalienable and protected under our Constitution. The 2nd Amendment was written specifically to ensure that We The People can arm up against a tyrannical government run amuck."
Running for State House in District 2
Brent Money
REPUBLICAN
Kristin Washington
DEMOCRAT
Endorsement
Brent Money for his strong support of the core principles of the Second Amendment.
Running for State House in District 14
Paul Dyson
REPUBLICAN
Fred Medina
DEMOCRAT
Endorsement
Paul Dyson campaigns on promises to preserve the Second Amendment rights of Texans.
Running for State House in District 29
Jeff Barry
REPUBLICAN
Alex Kamkar
REPUBLICAN
Adrienne Bell
DEMOCRAT
Ammo.com can't, in good faith, endorse either of these candidates because neither meets our standards for pro-2A candidates due to a lack of prioritizing pro-2A issues.
Running for State House in District 32
Todd Hunter
REPUBLICAN
Cathy McAuliffe
DEMOCRAT
Endorsement
Todd Hunter for his consistent pro-2A voting record and for sponsoring TX’s permitless carry legislation.
Running for State House in District 52
Caroline Harris
REPUBLICAN
Jennie Birkholz
DEMOCRAT
Endorsement
Caroline Harris for her exhaustive work and consistent advocacy for Second Amendment rights.
Running for State House in District 54
Brad Buckley
REPUBLICAN
Dawn Richardson
DEMOCRAT
Endorsement
Brad Buckley for his consistent pro-2A voting record.
Running for State House in District 64
Lynn Stucky
REPUBLICAN
Angela Brewer
DEMOCRAT
Endorsement
Lynn Stucky for his consistent voting record regarding Pro-2A freedoms.
Running for State House in District 66
Matt Shaheen
REPUBLICAN
David Carstens
DEMOCRAT
Endorsement
Matt Shaheen for his pro-2A legislative action, including sponsoring HB 2622 (prohibits the enforcement of federal gun control) and consistent stance against gun control.
Running for State House in District 67
Jeff Leach
REPUBLICAN
Makala Washington
DEMOCRAT
Endorsement
Jeff Leach for his work sponsoring legislation that prohibits the enforcement of new federal gun laws and his consistent advocacy against 2A infringements.
Running for State House in District 93
Nate Schatzline
REPUBLICAN
Perla Bojorquez
DEMOCRAT
Nate Schatzline for his unwavering 2A support as recognized by his GOA Legislative Champion award.
Running for State House in District 94
Tony Tinderholt
REPUBLICAN
Denise Wilkerson
DEMOCRAT
Endorsement
Tony Tinderholt for his consistent ability to protect our Second Amendment rights in the State House and publicly.
Running for State House in District 96
David Cook
REPUBLICAN
Ebony Turner
DEMOCRAT
Endorsement
David Cook for supporting restrictions on federal gun laws in Texas, a consistent pro-2A voting record, and prioritizing gun rights.
Running for State House in District 105
Terry Meza
DEMOCRAT
Rose Cannaday
REPUBLICAN
Ammo.com can't, in good faith, endorse either of these candidates because neither meets our standards for pro-2A candidates due to a lack of prioritizing pro-2A issues.
Running for State House in District 108
Morgan Meyer
REPUBLICAN
Elizabeth Ginsberg
DEMOCRAT
Ammo.com can't endorse either of these candidates in good faith because neither meets our standards for pro-2A candidates due to Meyer's Nay vote on HB 1927 (Permitless Carry).
Running for State House in District 112
Angie Chen Button
REPUBLICAN
Averie Bishop
DEMOCRAT
Ammo.com can't, in good faith, endorse either of these candidates because neither meets our standards for pro-2A candidates due to a lack of prioritizing pro-2A issues.
Running for State House in District 113
Rhetta Andrews Bowers
DEMOCRAT
Stephen Stanley
REPUBLICAN
Ammo.com can't, in good faith, endorse either of these candidates because neither meets our standards for pro-2A candidates due to a lack of prioritizing pro-2A issues.
Running for State House in District 114
John W. Bryant
DEMOCRAT
Aimee Ramsey
REPUBLICAN
Endorsement
Aimee Ramsey for prioritizing Second Amendment rights.
Running for State House in District 129
Dennis Paul
REPUBLICAN
Doug Peterson
DEMOCRAT
Endorsement
Dennis Paul for actively supporting pro-2A legislation.
Running for State House in District 132
Mike Schofield
REPUBLICAN
Chase West
DEMOCRAT
Endorsement
Mike Schofield for consistently supporting and actively pursuing pro-2A legislation.
Running for State House in District 134
Ann Johnson
DEMOCRAT
Audrey Douglas
REPUBLICAN
Ammo.com can’t, in good faith, endorse either of these candidates because neither meets our standards for pro-2A candidates due to a lack of prioritizing pro-2A issues.
Running for State House in District 138
Lacey Hull
REPUBLICAN
Stephanie Morales
DEMOCRAT
Endorsement
Lacey Hull for her strong support of Second Amendment rights and consistent pro-2A voting record.
More information on Texas can be found here: "Most Gun-Friendly States: Texas" and "Texas Gun & Ammo Laws: A 2nd Amendment Overview for Texas Gun Owners"
