In her campaign to become the next president of the United States, Vice President Kamala Harris has undergone several significant policy shifts, none more stark than her recent stance on firearm ownership. On the debate stage and in interviews with influential figures like Oprah and on "60 Minutes," Harris has emphasized her identity as a “gun owner,” despite having spent her career advocating for policies to restrict the rights of gun owners.
As San Francisco's district attorney, Harris supported Proposition H, a measure that would have banned all handguns in the city had it not been struck down by the courts. This contradiction highlights a broader trend; roughly a third of Americans, including many Democrats, own firearms, reflecting a diverse coalition that values self-defense and personal safety. Harris’ campaign has not clarified whether, as the Democratic presidential candidate, she still supports a handgun ban, including the one she currently owns.
If there was any ambiguity about her true stance on the Second Amendment, it was further revealed two years later when she signed an amicus brief in the D.C. v. Heller case, asserting that the Second Amendment does not protect an individual’s right to keep and bear arms and that Washington, D.C., could enact a total ban on handguns.
During her 2020 presidential campaign, Harris’ anti-gun rhetoric was unmistakable. She called for circumventing Congress to impose executive orders for her gun control agenda and even supported the confiscation of firearms, to which then-candidate Joe Biden responded that such actions would violate the Constitution.
As Election Day approaches, it’s clear that Harris is attempting to appeal to a wide array of voters. With millions of law-abiding Americans becoming gun owners in recent years, her claims of gun ownership may not align with her historical policies. While publicly embracing her Glock, her record in office suggests a much different narrative.
This highlights why it is crucial for gun owners to be informed as they head to the polls in November.
Over the past four years, the Biden-Harris administration has consistently pushed for more laws and regulations that target law-abiding gun owners. Their advocacy for “red flag” laws, now enacted in over 20 states, signals a troubling trend of undermining due process and Second Amendment rights. These laws risk misuse, infringing on constitutional protections.
Harris has stated, “I own a gun for probably the reason a lot of people do — for personal safety.” Yet violent crime remains unacceptably high in many areas, underscoring the failure of lenient crime policies favored by progressive leaders. This surge is particularly pronounced in cities with the strictest gun control laws, revealing their ineffectiveness.
Furthermore, Harris has condemned “stand your ground” laws, which are essential for self-defense and empower law-abiding citizens to protect themselves from life-threatening situations. Her opposition to these laws effectively diminishes Americans’ ability to safeguard their lives and their families.
A Harris-Walz administration could see a national push for federal “red flag” laws that compromise due process, bans on popular firearms for home defense, restrictive licensing for gun ownership, limits on ammunition purchases, and the erosion of state protections for gun rights. Such measures would infringe on constitutional freedoms and leave law-abiding citizens vulnerable to criminal threats.
America needs leadership that honors our constitutional rights and confronts our communities' real challenges. This means prioritizing economic opportunities, mental health resources, and accountability for criminals—not penalizing responsible citizens. It calls for a balanced approach reconciling public safety with our inalienable rights.
Responsible gun owners must mobilize and ensure their voices are heard at the ballot box this November. The future of our Second Amendment rights hang in the balance. We cannot afford to remain passive while anti-gun politicians threaten our fundamental right to self-defense and the security of our families. This issue transcends firearms; it is about preserving the individual liberties that form the bedrock of our nation.
The choice we make in November will significantly influence the trajectory of our fundamental rights for generations. Let’s ensure we make a wise decision that safeguards our freedoms for ourselves and future Americans.
Katie Pointer Baney is the managing director of government affairs for the U.S. Concealed Carry Association and the executive director of the USCCA for Saving Lives Action Fund.
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