State of Minnesota Archives: on Gun Control
Jason Lewis:
Liquor prohibition failed & so will gun prohibition
You'd have thought our failed experiment banning liquor--Prohibition--would have [dissuaded] politicians banning adults from doing things bureaucrats disapprove of. Nope, the busybodies are busier than ever & now they've got their sights set on firearms.
The Supreme Court has acknowledged an inherent and individual right to self-defense in the Constitution--and the government must respect that right. I will always stand up for our Constitutional rights of life and liberty--and the means to defend them.
Source: 2016 Minnesota House campaign website JasonLewis2016.com
Nov 8, 2016
Jim Abeler:
Opposes more gun restrictions
Question topic: More restrictive gun control laws are needed now to protect public safety.
Abeler: Strongly Disagree
Source: Faith2Action iVoterGuide on 2014 Minnesota Senate race
Jul 2, 2014
Jim Newberger:
Supports 2nd Amendment rights
Jim has a proven record of supporting our
Second Amendment Rights.
Source: 2018 Minnesota Senatorial website JimForUSSenate.com
Oct 1, 2017
Jim Newberger:
Absolute right to gun ownership
Q: Do you support or oppose the statement, "Absolute right to gun ownership"?
A: Support.
Source: OnTheIssues interview of 2018 Minnesota Senate candidate
Mar 15, 2018
Karin Housley:
Convicted felons can get firearm license reinstated
Legislative Summary:SF 878: License revocation after conviction; firearm suppressor.- A person who is convicted of a [felony] and possessed a firearm with a suppressor may not obtain a hunting license or hunt wild animals for
five years from the date of conviction.
- Certain convicted felons ineligible to possess firearms or ammunition.
- The discharge [from prison] must provide that a person who has been convicted of a crime of violence is not entitled to ship,
transport, possess, or receive a firearm or ammunition for the remainder of the person's lifetime.
Legislative outcome:
Passed Senate 39-22-6, April 23, 2015 (Sen. Karin Housley voted NAY); passed House 115-19-0, April 28, 2015; signed by Governor Dayton, April 28, 2015
Source: 2018 Minnesota Voting Records SF 878
Apr 28, 2015
Karin Housley:
No background checks nor buyers' waiting periods
Housley said, " I'm pro-Second Amendment. I think our gun laws are extremely important, especially greater Minnesota, where it's sportsmen-land. It's the rights of everybody in the United States, the right to bear arms."Housley said she is not in
favor of any moderate gun-control measures--namely, background checks, buyers' waiting periods or inter-state records transparency. There's already a solid law framework in place, she said, it's just a matter of applying it.
"We need to enforce the
gun laws that we have," Housley said. "I don't think there is a need for more gun laws in any of the incidences we have across the country. Things have fallen through the cracks and the gun laws on the books were not enforced."
Housley characterized
the high rates of gun violence as a mental health issue, one that can be addressed with increased emphasis and funding on mental health services. "That's absolutely where I want to spearhead this issue," she said. "That's where resources are needed."
Source: Brainerd Dispatch: 2017-8 Minnesota Special Senate Election
Jul 31, 2018
Karin Housley:
Reasonable ban on bump stocks
Gun Control: Support more restrictive gun control legislation? Restrict semi-automatic weapons?Smith: Yes. Supports "common-sense gun laws" to keep guns from criminals & dangerous individuals: bump stock, assault weapon & high-capacity magazine
bans.
Housley: No, with exceptions. Supports "a reasonable ban on bump stocks." Otherwise, focuses on enforcing existing gun laws & addressing mental health.
Source: 2017-2018 Minnesota special election CampusElect.org Guide
Nov 1, 2018
Lori Swanson:
Supports variety of common sense gun safety reforms
Lori supports common-sense gun safety reforms. We should ban bump stocks. We should have enhanced background checks. We should allow law enforcement to petition judges to remove guns from people who pose a danger to themselves or others.
Public health authorities should be able to study the causes of gun violence, so long as adequate safeguards are in place to protect individual privacy. We must help make our schools safer places of learning for our kids.
Source: 2018 Minnesota governor campaign website LoriSwanson.com
Jul 4, 2018
Mark Dayton:
For background checks & trigger locks
I support the Second Amendment and will continue my support as Senator. I support current law, including the ban on assault weapons and I support the federal law, including background checks on all purchasers of firearms.
I do believe that trigger locks should be provided on new handguns, and I believe those who sell guns at gun shows should be subject to the same requirements as other firearm dealers.
Source: Minnesota Newspaper Association Election Questionnaire
Jul 2, 2000
Mark Dayton:
Zero tolerance for guns in schools
I strongly support the law which makes it a federal offense to possess and discharge a gun within 1,000 feet of a school. There should be zero tolerance for guns in schools!
Source: Minnesota Newspaper Association Election Questionnaire
Jul 2, 2000
Mark Dayton:
Against gun registration
All three candidates agreed on virtually all aspects of the issue. Gibson suggested the government put more money into enforcing existing laws.
Grams chided Dayton for saying he was against gun registration, saying he (Dayton) had answered several surveys to the contrary.
Source: By Bob Collins, Minnesota Public Radio on-line
Nov 6, 2000
Mark Dayton:
Commonsense criminal background checks to all gun purchases
Minnesota lawmakers can side with the NRA, who strongly opposes commonsense solutions to reduce gun violence in our schools and communities, or they can side with the schoolchildren of Minnesota who are begging us for it. I thank you for legislation to
extend criminal background checks to all gun purchases and require all lost or stolen firearms be promptly reported to law enforcement. Those changes will help keep guns out of the hands of people who shouldn't have them. They will save lives.
Source: 2018 Minnesota State of the State address
Mar 14, 2018
Mark Dayton:
Lifetime ban on convicted felons getting firearm license
Legislative Summary:SF 878: License revocation after conviction; firearm suppressor.- A person who is convicted of a [felony] and possessed a firearm with a suppressor may not obtain a hunting license or hunt wild animals for
five years from the date of conviction.
- Certain convicted felons ineligible to possess firearms or ammunition.
- The discharge [from prison] must provide that a person who has been convicted of a crime of violence is not entitled to ship,
transport, possess, or receive a firearm or ammunition for the remainder of the person's lifetime.
Legislative outcome:
Passed Senate 39-22-6, April 23, 2015; passed House 115-19-0, April 28, 2015; signed by Governor Dayton, April 28, 2015
Source: 2018 Minnesota Voting Records SF 878
Apr 23, 2015
Michelle Benson:
Gun control laws punish law-abiding gun owners
2nd Amendment: Every Minnesotan has a fundamental right to protect themselves. We must never waver on defending our Second Amendment rights.
Gun control laws punish law-abiding gun owners while doing nothing to keep people safe.
Source: 2022 Minnesota Governor campaign website Michelle4MN.com
Dec 23, 2021
Michelle Benson:
Convicted felons can get firearm license reinstated
Legislative Summary: SF 878: License revocation after conviction; firearm suppressor.- A person who is convicted of a [felony] and possessed a firearm with a suppressor may not obtain a hunting license or hunt wild animals for
five years from the date of conviction.
- Certain convicted felons ineligible to possess firearms or ammunition.
- The discharge [from prison] must provide that a person who has been convicted of a crime of violence is not entitled to ship,
transport, possess, or receive a firearm or ammunition for the remainder of the person's lifetime.
Legislative Outcome:
Passed Senate 39-22-6, April 23, 2015 (State Sen. Michelle Benson voted NO); passed House 115-19-0, April 28, 2015; signed by Governor Dayton, April 28, 2015
Source: Minnesota legislative voting records: HF 2738
Apr 23, 2015
Michelle Fischbach:
Convicted felons can get firearm license reinstated
Legislative Summary: SF 878: License revocation after conviction; firearm suppressor.- A person who is convicted of a [felony] and possessed a firearm with a suppressor may not obtain a hunting license or hunt wild animals for five
years from the date of conviction.
- Certain convicted felons ineligible to possess firearms or ammunition.
- The discharge [from prison] must provide that a person who has been convicted of a crime of violence is not entitled to ship, transport,
possess, or receive a firearm or ammunition for the remainder of the person's lifetime.
Legislative outcome: Passed Senate 39-22-6, April 23, 2015
(Sen. Michelle Fischbach voted NAY); passed House 115-19-0, April 28, 2015; signed by Governor Dayton, April 28, 2015
Source: 2018 Minnesota Voting Records SF 878
Apr 28, 2015
Mike McFadden:
Open to looking at expanding background checks
Q: The Senate voted down expanding background checks on gun purchases. Would you support that?A: I'm a strong believer in the Second Amendment, and the right to bear arms. It does concern me that someone that's not allowed
to buy a gun at Wal-Mart because they didn't pass a background check is allowed to go and purchase one at a gun show. I would be open to looking at expanding background checks.
Source: Minneapolis Post on 2014 Minnesota Senate race
Jul 15, 2013
Mike McFadden:
Expand background checks; close gun show loophole
While describing himself as a strong believer in gun rights, McFadden also said he could vote for widening background checks for gun purchases."It does bother me that someone who couldn't pass a background check at
Walmart could then go right down to a gun show and buy a gun," McFadden said. "So I would consider expanded background checks, specifically closing that gun show loophole."
Source: CBS Minnesota WCCO on 2014 Minnesota Senate race
Jul 23, 2013
Mike Murphy:
I will declare Minnesota a 2nd Amendment Sanctuary State
I will do everything in my power to make sure Minnesotans have the means to protect themselves against violence and tyranny. I will stand up to DC gun control measures. I will lead our legislature to craft and pass new protections for gun ownership.
I will support every Sheriff in Minnesota who wants to deputize law-abiding citizens in their jurisdictions. I will declare Minnesota a 2nd Amendment Sanctuary State and make her the 20th state with Constitutional Carry.
Source: 2022 Minnesota Gubernatorial website MikeMurphyForMN.com
Feb 11, 2022
Paul Gazelka:
Convicted felons can get firearm license reinstated
Legislative Summary: SF 878: License revocation after conviction; firearm suppressor.- A person who is convicted of a [felony] and possessed a firearm with a suppressor may not obtain a hunting license or hunt wild animals for
five years from the date of conviction.
- Certain convicted felons ineligible to possess firearms or ammunition.
- The discharge [from prison] must provide that a person who has been convicted of a crime of violence is not entitled to ship,
transport, possess, or receive a firearm or ammunition for the remainder of the person's lifetime.
Legislative Outcome:
Passed Senate 39-22-6, April 23, 2015 (State Sen. Paul Gazelka voted NO); passed House 115-19-0, April 28, 2015; signed by Governor Dayton, April 28, 2015
Source: Minnesota legislative voting records: HF 2738
Apr 23, 2015
Paula Overby:
I don't support an absolute right to gun ownership
Q: Do you support or oppose the statement, "Absolute right to gun ownership"?A: Oppose--The second amendment specifies the need for a well-regulated militia which certainly assumes some level of accountability. As such, I don't support an
absolute right to gun ownership. Just as citizens claim the right to use weapons for protection, citizens have the right to claim protection for the misuse of those weapons. That said, I believe the extreme levels of gun violence in
America filters down from a high level of militarism promoted by the weapons manufacturers. It is evidenced by weapons as a major US export, surplus military transfers to local police departments through the 1033 program,
Source: OnTheIssues interview of 2018 Minnesota Senate candidate
May 13, 2018
Pete Stauber:
Protect 2nd amendment: database on mentally ill & abusers
Stauber says he is committed to protecting the 2nd Amendment. During a forum earlier this year
Stauber said he would support a national database of people who should not own guns due to issues like mental illness or a history of domestic abuse.
Source: MPR Minnesota voter guide: 2018 Congressional MN-8 election
Oct 10, 2018
Rebecca Otto:
Status quo on guns isn't working
After the San Bernardino mass shooting, Otto took to her Twitter account. "Enough already!' Otto posted. "America, you have been used by the gun industry. Time to push back and say no more of this #gunsanity." It was among the first of more than
100 tweets about guns Otto posted over the next several days. She repeated hat "what we are doing is not working," along with a call to lift a ban on gun studies by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Source: Twin Cities Pioneer Press on 2018 Minnesota Governor race
Jan 23, 2016
Tim Walz:
Expand background checks; ban assault-style weapons
Q: Support more restrictive Gun Control legislation?Jeff Johnson (R): No. Opposes expanded background checks. Wants to arm trained professionals in schools & strengthen existing laws,
not restrict "rights of law-abiding gun owners" with new laws.
Tim Walz (D): Yes. Supports expanded background checks & banning assault-style weapons--not arming teachers (he was a teacher for 20 years).
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Minnesota Governor race
Oct 9, 2018
Tina Smith:
Supports common-sense gun laws
Gun Control: Support more restrictive gun control legislation? Restrict semi-automatic weapons?Smith: Yes. Supports "common-sense gun laws" to keep guns from criminals & dangerous individuals: bump stock, assault weapon & high-capacity magazine
bans.
Housley: No, with exceptions. Supports "a reasonable ban on bump stocks." Otherwise, focuses on enforcing existing gun laws & addressing mental health.
Source: 2017-2018 Minnesota special election CampusElect.org Guide
Nov 1, 2018
Tina Smith:
Endorsed by Everytown for Gun Safety for gun-sense majority
Everytown for Gun Safety threw its support behind 11 Democratic Senate candidates including incumbent Democratic Sen. Tina Smith (MN). "Everytown is going all-in to flip the Senate and elect leaders who will treat America's gun violence epidemic
like the crisis it is," the Everytown President said. The group has targeted a number of key races in the House and Senate, emphasizing the need to protect what it calls a "gun sense majority," which is mostly comprised of Democratic candidates.
Source: The Hill e-zine on 2020 Minnesota Senate endorsements
Jun 9, 2020
Tom Emmer:
Concealed carry ok; but require licenses & restrictions
Q: Should background checks be required on gun sales between private citizens at gun shows?A: Yes.
Q: Should citizens be allowed to carry concealed guns?
A: Yes.
Q: Should a license be required for gun possession?
A: Yes.
Q: Do you support current levels of enforcement of existing state restrictions on the purchase and possession of guns?
A: Yes.
Q: Do you support current state restrictions on the purchase and possession of guns?
A: Yes.
Source: Minnesota Congressional 2008 Political Courage Test
Nov 1, 2008
Tim Walz:
Schoolchildren shouldn't have to worry about being shot dead
I've seen some of these other governors on TV--they spend a lot of time on TV--and they're always talking about "freedom." But it turns out what they mean is that government should be free to invade your bedroom, your children's locker room, and your
doctor's office. Here in Minnesota, when we talk about freedom, we mean your children should be free to go to school without worrying they'll be shot dead in the halls.
I know that there's no place for weapons of war in our schools, or in our churches, or in our banks, or anywhere else people are just trying to live their lives without fear. I got an A rating from the NRA my first term in Congress. Now
I get straight F's. And I sleep just fine. We're going to have universal background checks. We're going to have a red flag law. And if anyone in America doubts that we can take meaningful action to protect our kids, I've got two words for you: Watch us.
Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the Minnesota legislature
Apr 19, 2023
Tim Walz:
Establish red flag law; expand background checks
Governor Walz banned the use of hand-held cell phones while driving and raised the age to purchase tobacco to 21. The Governor provided $300 million for public safety needs across the state to combat crime.
Governor Walz took meaningful action to protect communities from gun violence, signing bills establishing a red flag law, expanding background checks, increasing criminal penalties for straw purchasing guns, and banning deadly binary trigger guns.
Source: 2022 Minnesota Governor campaign website mn.gov/Governor
Aug 6, 2024
Jim Abeler:
Don't enact universal background checks & red flag law
Women's Press analysis, 05/12/2023:SF2909 requires:- background checks on all handgun and semi-automatic military-style assault weapon sales;
- an Extreme Risk law, which allows loved ones and law enforcement to petition a court to
temporarily restrict access to firearms by those deemed to be at risk of harming themselves & others.
Legislative Outcome:Passed Senate 34-33-0 on 5/12; Sen. Abeler voted NO; passed House 69-63-2 on 5/15; signed by Gov. Walz on 5/19.
Source: Women's Press on Minnesota State voting records SF2909
May 12, 2023
Karin Housley:
Don't enact universal background checks & red flag law
Women's Press analysis, 05/12/2023:SF2909 requires:- background checks on all handgun and semi-automatic military-style assault weapon sales;
- an Extreme Risk law, which allows loved ones and law enforcement to petition a court to
temporarily restrict access to firearms by those deemed to be at risk of harming themselves & others.
Legislative Outcome:Passed Senate 34-33-0 on 5/12; Sen. Housley voted NO; passed House 69-63-2 on 5/15; signed by Gov. Walz on 5/19.
Source: Women's Press on Minnesota State voting records SF2909
May 12, 2023
Kelly Morrison:
Enact universal background checks & red flag law
Women's Press analysis, 05/12/2023:SF2909 requires:- background checks on all handgun and semi-automatic military-style assault weapon sales;
- an Extreme Risk law, which allows loved ones and law enforcement to petition a court to
temporarily restrict access to firearms by those deemed to be at risk of harming themselves & others.
Legislative Outcome:Passed Senate 34-33-0 on 5/12; Sen. Morrison voted YES; passed House 69-63-2 on 5/15; signed by Gov. Walz on 5/19.
Source: Women's Press on Minnesota State voting records SF2909
May 12, 2023
Tim Walz:
Sign universal background checks & red flag law
Minnesota Women's Press analysis, 05/12/2023:SF2909 requires:- background checks on all handgun and semi-automatic military-style assault weapon sales;
- an Extreme Risk law, which allows loved ones and law enforcement to petition a
court to temporarily restrict access to firearms by those deemed to be at risk of harming themselves and others.
Legislative Outcome:Passed Senate 34-33-0 on May/12/23; passed House 69-63-2 on May/15/23; signed by Gov. Walz on May/19/23.
Source: Women's Press on Minnesota State voting records SF2909
May 19, 2023
Tina Liebling:
Enact universal background checks & red flag law
Women's Press analysis, 05/12/2023:SF2909 requires:- background checks on all handgun and semi-automatic military-style assault weapon sales;
- an Extreme Risk law, which allows loved ones and law enforcement to petition a court to
temporarily restrict access to firearms by those deemed to be at risk of harming themselves & others.
Legislative Outcome:Passed Senate 34-33-0 on 5/12; passed House 69-63-2 on 5/15; Rep. Liebling voted YES; signed by Gov. Walz on 5/19.
Source: Women's Press on Minnesota State voting records SF2909
May 15, 2023
Royce White:
2nd Amendment safeguards the freedoms of country's citizens
PRO 2A: The 2ND amendment is a constitutional right that can never be infringed upon.
It is one of the most important political mechanisms to safeguard the freedoms of citizens in this country.
Source: 2024 Minnesota Senate campaign website RoyceWhite.us
Oct 2, 2024
Royce White:
Never infringe on 2nd Amendment; it safeguards freedoms
The 2ND amendment is a constitutional right that can never be infringed upon.
It is one of the most important political mechanisms to safeguard the freedoms of citizens in this country.
Source: 2026 Minnesota Senate campaign website RoyceWhite.US
Apr 27, 2025
Peggy Flanagan:
First time gun owner, supports common sense gun laws
Minnesota Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan purchased a pheasant hunting license on Monday and shared that she became a first-time gun owner. "I'm proud to live in a state where we can have our Second Amendment rights and
be gun owners, but also enact common sense gun laws that offer resources to help gun owners store their guns safely," Flanagan said.
Source: Pioneer Press on 2026 Minnesota Senate race
Oct 9, 2024
Jeff Johnson 2018:
Gun control laws only put the guns in the hands of criminals
The U.S. Constitution is unequivocal: "A well-regulated militia being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed."
Self-defense is a fundamental individual right and creating new "gun control" restrictions on law-abiding citizens will only leave guns in the hands of criminals.
Source: 2018 Minnesota JohnsonForGovernor.org campaign website
Sep 1, 2018
Jeff Johnson 2018:
Arm trained professionals in schools
Q: Support more restrictive Gun Control legislation?Jeff Johnson (R): No. Opposes expanded background checks. Wants to arm trained professionals in schools & strengthen existing laws,
not restrict "rights of law-abiding gun owners" with new laws.
Tim Walz (D): Yes. Supports expanded background checks & banning assault-style weapons--not arming teachers (he was a teacher for 20 years).
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Minnesota Governor race
Oct 9, 2018
Jeff Johnson 2026:
Provide additional training for Minnesota permit holders
Minnesota Citizens Enhanced Protection Act. The state is becoming an increasingly dangerous place. During the fall of 2020, Jeff created a proposal for the Minnesota Citizens Enhanced Protection Act which would provide additional training for
Minnesota permit holders. This proficiency based program is 100% optional for permit holders.
Source: 2026 Minnesota Gubernatorial campaign website
Dec 12, 2025
Royce White:
2nd amendment safeguards the freedoms of citizens
The 2ND amendment is a constitutional right that can never be infringed upon. It is one of the most important
political mechanisms to safeguard the freedoms of citizens in this country.
Source: 2026 Minnesota Senate campaign website RoyceWhite.us
Jul 23, 2025
Jeff Johnson 2026:
Provide additional gun training for permit holders
Johnson has a proposal in mind that he calls the Minnesota Citizens Enhanced Protection Act. He told the St. Cloud Times the proposal could provide additional gun training for permit holders to help improve their proficiency. "The Minnesota enhanced
protection program would have a strong emphasis on armed encounters, including active shooters, rioting encounters, home invasions and defending others in close proximity," Johnson wrote on his website.
Source: St.Cloud Times, "Drag," on 2026 Minnesota Gubernatorial race
Mar 25, 2025
Mike Lindell:
Helped raise bail for teen accused of protestor shootings
Kyle Rittenhouse, the teen accused in the fatal shooting of two people in August during protests in Kenosha, Wisconsin, was released from custody after posting $2 million in bail, according to the county's sheriff's department.
Attorney Lin Wood said
Source: ABC7 Los Angeles on 2026 Minnesota Gubernatorial race
Nov 21, 2020
Page last updated: Feb 07, 2026