State of Maryland Archives: on Gun Control


Arvin Vohra: Remove all gun ownership restrictions

When we eliminate gun free school zones and remove all restrictions on gun ownership, we increase safety. Shootings happen when the shooter believes there are reasonable assurances that the victims will be unarmed. This is true of home invasions, business robberies, and mass shootings. When we protect the right of all Americans to keep and bear arms, we create a reasonable assurance that any armed robbery or attempted mass shooting will almost certainly end in the death of the shooter.
Source: 2018 Maryland Senate campaign website VoteVohra.com Dec 12, 2017

Arvin Vohra: Purpose of guns are to keep government as our servant

Q: Do you support or oppose the statement, "Absolute right to gun ownership"?

A: Guns aren't for hunting; they are for fighting government overreach. I encourage individuals to buy the most powerful automatic weapons they can afford, because the government has pretty powerful weapons on its side.

Q: So you differ from the usual pro-Second Amendment stance that gun ownership is for self-protection? And instead focus on the need for keeping the federal government in check?

A: Government should fear the people; people should not fear the government. The government should behave like meek, respectful employees, not bosses. After all, you pay the government; the government doesn't pay you. The government should be a fearful servant, not an aggressive master. A well-armed populace helps keep government in check. A better armed populace keeps the government in check better.

Source: OnTheIssues interview of 2018 Maryland Senate candidate Mar 30, 2018

Ben Jealous: Wants governor to join multi-state coalition on gun control

TODAY, Thursday, February 22, Ben Jealous, former National President & CEO of the NAACP, called on Larry Hogan to join a recently announced multi-state coalition supporting stronger gun control measures and to refuse support from the NRA. Earlier today, New York, New Jersey, Rhode Island and Connecticut created States for Gun Safety, a coalition of states working to enhance state cooperation to stop gun violence.
Source: 2018 Maryland Gubernatorial campaign website, BenJealous.com Feb 22, 2018

Ben Jealous: Universal background checks & gun courts

Gun Control: Support more restrictive gun control legislation? Restrict semi-automatic weapons?

Hogan: Yes. Signed measure to ban bump stocks, supports universal background checks & keeping guns from mentally ill & those with "criminal backgrounds."

Jealous: Yes. Supports universal background checks, an interstate compact on gun control, & creating gun courts to combat gun violence.

Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Maryland Governor race Nov 1, 2018

Chris Chaffee: A big fat no to federal red flag law

As Congress and Senate try to slam through a federal red flag law in one hour I like to say big fat no yes we have a problem with some younger Americans they should not have guns but shouldn't they also be allowed representation when a accuser accuses them of a crime
Source: Twitter posting on 2022 Maryland Senate race Jun 22, 2022

Chris Van Hollen: Common sense measures like universal background checks

Chris Van Hollen called on Speaker Boehner to allow Congress to vote on commonsense gun laws after yet another mass shooting. Excerpts from the interview on MSNBC:

Q: Your reaction to the mass shooting?

A: It's tragic. It's heartbreaking. But it's also sickening, because we see this mounting death toll from mass casualty shootings--but also every day in our neighborhoods, in our cities--and we know there are common sense gun safety measures we can take to dramatically reduce the death toll and we're not doing anything about it. And the definition of gross negligence is when you know you have a solution that will help prevent gun deaths and you don't do anything about it.

Q: What are the solutions?

A: If you have a universal criminal background check to help keep guns out of the hands of criminals and dangerous people, you will reduce gun deaths. We know that. You should have a permit to purchase a weapon just like you need to get a license to drive a car.

Source: Afro weblog coverage of 2016 Maryland Senate race Oct 2, 2015

Chris Van Hollen: Won't rest until we end epidemic of gun violence

Safe neighborhoods require a combination of strong community organizations, effective and accountable policing, alternative 9-11 emergency responses for mental health situations, robust after-school programs, and sensible gun laws. Chris has led efforts on all these fronts, including standing up to the NRA and the gun lobby. He will not rest until we end the epidemic of gun violence.
Source: 2022 Maryland Senate campaign website VanHollen.org Jul 20, 2022

Dan Cox: Will work to bring Constitutional Carry to Maryland

Above all, the right to self defense must be protected under the Second Amendment. I will direct the State Police to grant shall issue permits to carry and will work to bring Constitutional Carry to Maryland to comply with the Constitution's right to keep and bear arms without permits for law abiding citizens."
Source: 2022 Maryland Governor campaign website CoxForFreedom.com Apr 24, 2022

Dan Cox: Need more gun freedom to combat growing evil of far left

Q: What is your position on gun rights?

A: HUGE 2A supporter. We need more gun freedom to combat the growing evil of far left and mental cases. I support Constitutional Carry and Shall Issue standards for keeping and bearing a handgun. I support the right of every household to own and keep AR15s and will fight any tyrannical attempt to remove the ease of ownership of self-defense semi-auto guns from the people.

Source: RedMaryland.com on 2022 Maryland Gubernatorial race Feb 24, 2018

Dan Cox: Opposed state bill banning ghost guns

His website highlights a few examples of him defending that right, including a 2020 clip of him at a Maryland General Assembly hearing explaining his stance against House Bill 910, which would prohibit Marylanders from manufacturing, possessing, selling, and purchasing certain firearms like ghost guns. Cox said that the founders of America built the guns that were used to win the Revolutionary War, and that serial numbers on guns don't stop criminals from committing crimes.
Source: FOX 5 DC on 2022 Maryland Gubernatorial race Jul 15, 2022

Doug Gansler: Supported Maryland's handgun permitting law

A federal appeals court has upheld Maryland's handgun permitting law. Maryland Attorney General Douglas F. Gansler cheered the ruling, saying the state is "a safer place today because of its handgun conceal-and-carry permit laws."

"The idea is to make sure guns are in the hands of responsible people, and not just anybody who wants to tote a gun in public," Gansler said. "This was one of those cases where a middle ground was found."

Source: Baltimore Sun on 2022 Maryland Gubernatorial race Nov 29, 2021

Ian Schlakman: No absolute right to gun ownership

Q: Do you support or oppose the statement, "Absolute right to gun ownership"?

A: Oppose

Source: OnTheIssues interview of 2018 Maryland Governor candidate Aug 21, 2018

Jamie Raskin: Ban assault weapons; plus fingerprint licensing system

Gun violence is a national epidemic and a national disgrace. But the industry-fed National Rifle Association and right-wing Republicans have continually blocked common-sense solutions to the crisis. In the Maryland Senate, Jamie has been an effective and unafraid leader on gun control. In 2013, he worked to get passed one of the most comprehensive gun safety laws in the nation. It imposed a life-saving fingerprint licensing system and banned assault weapons and high-capacity magazines. This year, Jamie crafted legislation to create a process for convicted domestic abusers to relinquish their firearms. In Congress, Jamie will fight for legislation modeled after Maryland's successful and comprehensive law. Appealing to the vast majority of gun owners who favor common-sense reforms to prevent catastrophes like the massacres in Newtown and Aurora, Jamie will work to build a "common-sense" coalition to make real change happen.
Source: 2016 Maryland House campaign website JamieRaskin.com Nov 8, 2016

Jeff Colyer: Pro-Second Amendment, authentic conservative

It's good that Kansas voters will now have a clear choice between me, the conservative candidate, and Derek Schmidt who has spent over twenty years carrying water for the most liberal elements of the Kansas Republican Party. Throughout my service in the Legislature and in the executive branch I've been 100% pro-life, pro-Second Amendment and against tax increases. I'm the authentic conservative in this race.
Source: Fox 4 KC on 2022 Maryland Governor race Mar 9, 2021

Maya Cummings: Focus on gun violence

Tackle gun violence at its root.
Source: 2018 Maryland Gubernatorial website MayaForMaryland.com Oct 15, 2017

Kathy Szeliga: I believe in the right to bear arms

Source: 2016 Campaign website for Maryland Senate, KathySzeliga.com Nov 11, 2015

Larry Hogan: Instant background checks tied to the federal system

"This is the most deceitful, most dishonest campaign that I have ever witnessed in my entire life," Hogan told reporters. He then called Brown a liar. "Each of Anthony Brown's campaign ads are completely false, and they are filled with absolute lies," Hogan said.

Brown's TV ads zero in on social issues. The Brown ad claims Hogan is against background checks for firearm purchases. It's in reference to his opposition to sweeping gun control laws passed last year that included increased scrutiny. Hogan supports instant background checks tied to the federal system.

Source: WBAL-TV AdWatch on 2014 Maryland gubernatorial race Sep 19, 2014

Larry Hogan: Ban bump stocks and other rapid-trigger devices

Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan told a group of students from Great Mills High School, where a 16-year- old girl was killed earlier this year, that he would reject an election endorsement from the National Rifle Association if the organization offered one. He was endorsed by the NRA when he ran for governor in 2014.

Hogan signed numerous gun control measures after the March school shooting, including a "red flag" bill designed to keep guns out of the hands of people who are deemed a danger to themselves and others, and legislation that bans bump stocks and other rapid-trigger devices.

Source: Washington Post on 2018 Maryland gubernatorial race Jul 19, 2018

Larry Hogan: Increase age of unsupervised access from 16 to 18

Larry Hogan said would support toughening a law that holds parents responsible when their children gain access to their guns.

Students from Great Mills High School, where a 16-year- old girl was killed earlier this year, are planning a gun-violence awareness rally in Annapolis this weekend. Among their objectives, they want the Maryland legislature to toughen a state law that says a person may not store or leave a loaded firearm in a location where the person knows or should know that an unsupervised child younger than 16 can gain access to it. The students want the law to cover those younger than 18.

Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan, [in a visit to the school], told the students that he would support the age change.

Source: Washington Post on 2018 Maryland gubernatorial race Jul 19, 2018

Larry Hogan: Tougher sentences for people who commit crimes with a gun

Governor Larry Hogan said, "This morning, we are signing a number of important initiatives, including tougher sentences for repeat violent offenders and people who commit crimes with a gun," said Governor Hogan.

In December 2017, Governor Hogan proposed a series of crime initiatives to address repeat violent offenders and criminal gang enterprises terrorizing communities across the state. Key provisions in Senate Bill 101, signed today, include eliminating parole eligibility for repeat violent offenders and stronger sentences for people who commit crimes with a firearm. The legislation also prohibits violent offenders from being ordered to treatment in lieu of incarceration and strengthens sentences for sexual abuse of a minor.

Legislative Outcome: Passed House 108-32-9 on March 31; passed Senate 39-8-8 on April 3; signed by Gov. Hogan, April 24.

Source: 2018 Governor press release on Maryland voting record SB.101 Apr 24, 2018

Margaret Flowers: More background checks; more ammo limits; more regulations

Q: What steps should Congress take to reduce the toll of gun violence?

Flowers: The high rate of gun deaths is an urgent public health problem that has been a long time in the making and will take some time to resolve. Changes will need to be made to reduce access to guns by people who would use them to kill others or themselves, either intentionally or by accident, and to reduce the socio-economic factors that lead to violent crimes. Congress should regulate the sales of all guns and require universal background checks. Assault weapons and magazines that can carry a large number of rounds should be banned in the US, and this should be combined with a program to buy these back. All gun owners should be licensed and required to take basic gun safety courses or to otherwise demonstrate competence. This should include how to store guns so that children do not have easy access to them. And there should be mandatory reporting of gun thefts to law enforcement.

Source: Baltimore Sun Voter Guide on 2016 Maryland Senate race Sep 9, 2016

Martin O`Malley: Further toughen the enforcement of our gun laws

We are taking our streets and neighborhoods back from violent crime. But better is not good enough. Since 2007, we have reduced murders in our state by 23%. The spate of homicides early this year reminds us of the urgency of work yet done. Better isn't good enough. Thirty-one kids were the victims of homicides in 2010. According to the State Police, this is the lowest number of juvenile victims on record. But how do we explain to the families and friends of those 31 kids that we consider this a statewide accomplishment? Two years ago, you took guns away from domestic abusers.

This year, I need your help to further toughen the enforcement of our gun laws. And while nobody believes we should criminalize poverty, there are things we can do--must do--to bring Maryland in line with what every other state does and expects when it comes to preventing the willful neglect of a child.

Source: 2011 Maryland State of the State Address Feb 3, 2011

Richard Madaleno: Ban assault weapons; ban bump stocks

Source: OnTheIssues interview of 2018 Maryland Governor candidate Jun 1, 2018

Peter Franchot: Sponsored strict gun control legislation

As one of Maryland's most progressive legislators, Peter fought for policies that continue to impact the lives of Marylanders to this day. From expanding access to quality K-12 and higher education or standing up to the NRA by sponsoring strict gun control legislation, to ensuring that all Maryland families receive quality healthcare, Peter's legislative leadership improved the lives of citizens in communities across the state.
Source: 2022 Maryland gubernatorial campaign website franchot.com Feb 18, 2021

Richard Madaleno: Sponsored ban on guns on campus

"None of us want our children to be exposed to gun violence when they're off at school, whether it's walking into kindergarten or walking into graduate school," said Madaleno, who is sponsoring the legislation that would ban guns on all college campuses in Maryland. He warned against only thinking of mass shootings when considering gun safety saying he was more concerned with individual instances, like suicide or relationship violence.
Source: The Diamondback (U.MD.) on 2018 Maryland Gubernatorial race Mar 2, 2017

Shawn Quinn: 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 Maryland Governor candidate May 13, 2018

Tony Campbell: Strong supporter of 2nd Amendment; no reform needed

Q: Is federal gun law reform needed?

A: No federal gun-law reform is needed. I believe the Second Amendment is a crucial freedom for citizens to retain a republic. First and foremost, owning a weapon allows law-abiding citizens to protect their property. There are too many laws restricting law-abiding citizens from owning weapons. Criminals can get the guns they want no matter what laws are on the books.

Source: Herald-Mail on 2018 Maryland Senate race Jun 13, 2018

Wes Moore: Combat gun violence, ban ghost guns

As governor, Wes will swiftly and aggressively combat gun violence by building strong partnerships across state, local and federal law enforcement agencies, banning ghost guns and investing in proven community-based violence intervention programs.
Source: 2022 Maryland Gubernatorial campaign website WesMoore.com Jul 24, 2022

Rick Scott: Red flag laws allow liberal states to prevent due process

You've seen establishment Republicans give the Democrats just enough votes to pass left-wing legislation. You remember Biden's so-called infrastructure bill, right? It is really a Green New Deal bill. Blow up the inflation. How about the Safer Communities Act? There's nothing safer about it. It trampled on our Second Amendment rights and gave liberal states the kind of red flag laws that prevent due process.
Source: Speech at the 2023 CPAC Conference in Maryland Mar 2, 2023

Robin Ficker: There's a right to have a gun; you have to use it legally

The longtime defense attorney has said he supports the Second Amendment. He's a lifetime member of the National Rifle Association (NRA) and attended the U.S. Military Academy. During a recent interview with the Maryland State Bar Association, Ficker responded to a question about wear and carry permits by saying he looks at bearing arms like the people in Ukraine do. "I think that there's a right to have a gun, and you have to use it legally."
Source: FOX5 on 2024 Maryland Senate race Jul 15, 2022

Larry Hogan: Vetoed tougher background checks but signed red flag law

Source: Guides.vote candidate survey on 2024 Maryland Senate race Aug 8, 2024

Angela Alsobrooks: Current gun laws are inadequate: support background checks

Source: Guides.vote candidate survey on 2024 Maryland Senate race Aug 8, 2024

Angela Alsobrooks: Close gun show loophole; ban AR-15s and bump stocks

Angela's proposed measures include universal background checks, closing the gun show loophole, banning military-style weapons like AR-15s, and prohibiting devices like bump stocks. Additionally, she supports the implementation of red flag laws to prevent dangerous individuals from acquiring firearms. Angela strongly believes that legal protections enjoyed by gun companies, which shield them from being held accountable for their products and dangerous marketing practices, should be eliminated.
Source: 2024 Maryland Senate campaign website AngelaAlsobrooks.com Feb 16, 2024

Ashwani Jain: For universal background checks & universal licensing

We must urge those in Congress to ensure we have universal background checks (so people who buy guns from private shows go through the same background check as those who buy at licensed gun stores) and a universal licensing system (so before you even step into a gun store, you have to take a firearm safety course and receive a license).
Source: Medium.com posting on 2022 Maryland Gubernatorial race May 14, 2021

  • The above quotations are from State of Maryland Politicians: Archives.
  • Click here for definitions & background information on Gun Control.
  • Click here for other issues (main summary page).
2024 Presidential contenders on Gun Control:
  Candidates for President & Vice-President:
V.P.Kamala Harris (D-CA)
Robert F. Kennedy Jr.(I-CA)
Chase Oliver(L-GA)
Dr.Jill Stein(D-MA)
Former Pres.Donald Trump(R-FL)
Sen.J.D.Vance(R-OH)
Gov.Tim Walz(D-MN)
Dr.Cornel West(I-NJ)

2024 presidential primary contenders:
Pres.Joe_Biden(D-DE)
N.D.Gov.Doug Burgum(R)
N.J.Gov.Chris_Christie(R)
Fla.Gov.Ron_DeSantis(R)
S.C.Gov.Nikki_Haley(R)
Ark.Gov.Asa_Hutchinson(R)
Former V.P.Mike Pence(R-IN)
U.S.Rep.Dean_Phillips(D-MN)
Vivek_Ramaswamy(R-OH)
S.C.Sen.Tim_Scott(R)
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