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.

anti2A

An Act Against the 2nd Amendment

pro2A

An Act in Support of the 2nd Amendment

voted YES

voted NO

voted YES (sponsor or co?sponsor)

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 CruzREPUBLICAN INCUMBENT

Running for U.S. Senate

Voting History

anti2A

Bipartisan Safer Communities Act

anti2A

2013 Assault Weapons Ban

anti2A

2013 Limits Firearm Magazine Capacity

pro2A

2013 Authorizes Reciprocity for the Carrying of Certain Firearms

pro2A

Defend Our Capital Act of 2015

Ted Cruz 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 AllredDEMOCRAT CANDIDATE

Running for U.S. Senate

Voting History

anti2A

Assault Weapons Ban of 2022

anti2A

Enhanced Background Checks Act of 2021

anti2A

Federal Extreme Risk Protection Order Act

anti2A

Protecting Our Kids Act

Colin Allred 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 CrenshawREPUBLICAN INCUMBENT

Running for U.S. House District 2

Voting History

anti2A

Assault Weapons Ban of 2022

anti2A

Bipartisan Safer Communities Act

anti2A

Federal Extreme Risk Protection Order Act of 2021

anti2A

Enhanced Background Checks of 2021

pro2A

ATF Accountability Act of 2023

anti2A

2023 NDAA

Dan Crenshaw 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 FillerDEMOCRAT CANDIDATE

Running for U.S. House in District 2

Peter Filler 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 CruzREPUBLICAN INCUMBENT

Running for U.S. House in District 15

Voting History

pro2A

Stopping Unconstitutional Background Checks Act

pro2A

Federal Firearms Licensee Protection Act of 2023

pro2A

No Retaining Every Gun in a System That Restricts Your Rights Act

pro2A

ATF Accountability Act of 2023

pro2A

Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act

Monica De La Cruz 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 VallejoDEMOCRAT CANDIDATE

Running for U.S. House District 15

Michelle Vallejo 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

Gonzalez is a staunch supporter of gun control and will focus on that as a key issue.

Tony GonzalesREPUBLICAN INCUMBENT

Running for U.S. House in District 23

Voting History

anti2A

Assault Weapons Ban of 2022

anti2A

Bipartisan Safer Communities Act

anti2A

Federal 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 HerraraREPUBLICAN CANDIDATE

Running for U.S. House in District 23

Brandon Herrera 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

Herrera is a staunch 2A supporter with a proven record of advocacy but has no voting record yet.

Henry CuellarDEMOCRAT INCUMBENT

Running for U.S. House in District 28

Voting History

anti2A

Assault Weapons Ban of 2022

anti2A

Bipartisan Safer Communities Act

anti2A

Federal Extreme Risk Protection Order Act of 2021

anti2A

Enhanced Background Checks Act of 2019

anti2A

Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act of 2017

anti2A

Congressional Disapproval of SSA

Henry Cuellar 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 FurmanREPUBLICAN CANDIDATE

Running for U.S. House District 28

Jay Furman Second Amendment Stance

No specific 2A statements.

Supports the Second Amendment on his website.

Most Important Issues

The Second Amendment

Education

Border security

Summary

Jay Furman is relatively quiet on 2A issues.

Lazaro Garza Jr.REPUBLICAN CANDIDATE

Running for U.S. House District 28

Lazaro Garza Jr. 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

He 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

anti2A

Assault Weapons Ban of 2022

anti2A

Bipartisan Safer Communities Act

anti2A

Federal Extreme Risk Protection Order Act of 2021

anti2A

Enhanced Background Checks Act of 2021

Vicente Gonzalez Jr. 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 FloresREPUBLICAN CANDIDATE

Running for U.S. House in District 34

Voting History

anti2A

Bipartisan Safer Communities Act

anti2A

Assault 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

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

Morgan Lamantia

DEMOCRAT

Adam Hinojosa

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 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

Jeffery 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

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 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"

2nd Amendment Grades for Texas' 2024 Political Candidates originally appeared in The Resistance Library at Ammo.com.