The Evolution of Tim Walz’s Stance on Gun Control
In the fiercely contested Minnesota gubernatorial primary of 2018, Tim Walz, a congressman representing a traditionally conservative district with strong pro-gun sentiments, faced significant challenges regarding his track record with firearms legislation. Despite having received high ratings from the National Rifle Association (N.R.A.), he found himself on the defensive as the political landscape shifted.
In the wake of the tragic school shooting in Parkland, Florida, Walz took a bold step, publicly advocating for more stringent gun control measures. He penned an op-ed where he emphasized his history of supporting more rigorous background checks, advocating for federal research on gun violence, and pushing for bans on firearm access for individuals on no-fly lists. “I have voted for universal background checks more than anyone else in this race,” he asserted in an interview, reinforcing his commitment to gun safety. Additionally, he released a video highlighting that he had cast votes “dozens of times” in Congress aimed at fortifying gun laws.
Interestingly, gun rights advocates had never questioned Walz’s commitment as a legislator until his gubernatorial campaign. The N.R.A. continued to award him high ratings throughout his congressional tenure, and in 2016, Guns & Ammo magazine recognized him as one of its top 20 lawmakers, stating, “While most congressional Democrats have jumped on the gun control train with both feet, Tim Walz and a few others have stuck to their guns.”
So, which version of Tim Walz is the true representation of his beliefs? As he now campaigns for the vice presidency, the answer is found in his complex journey from a staunch advocate of Second Amendment rights in a small-town setting to a statewide candidate who must navigate a diverse electorate with varying opinions on gun control. This evolution has been notably influenced by high-profile mass shootings that have transformed the national conversation surrounding gun legislation.
Following the Parkland tragedy, Walz joined forces with fellow Democrats to co-sponsor a bill aimed at banning assault weapons, marking a significant pivot in his political narrative and priorities.
