Arizona Democrats' New Trifecta Puts Gun Rights on the Chopping Block
For the first time in 60 years, Democrats hold the governorship and both chambers of Arizona's legislature, and gun control groups are treating it as their best shot yet at rewriting the state's firearms laws.
Snapshot
Bearing Arms' Cam Edwards reports that Arizona Democrats flipped both the House and Senate with larger majorities than Republicans previously held, giving them room to pass gun legislation without relying on rural Democrats. Edwards notes Giffords already grades Arizona an "F" on its gun law scorecard and has laid out the changes it wants to see signed by Gov. Katie Hobbs.
Key points
- New majorities: Edwards reports Democrats will hold a 37-23 House edge and 20-10 Senate edge, compared to Republicans' narrower prior control, per current projections.
- Giffords' wish list: Edwards details Giffords' push for universal background checks, owner licensing with safety training, red-flag orders, waiting periods, and stricter concealed-carry permitting.
- Bans on the table: Edwards says Giffords also wants open-carry restrictions, bans on so-called "assault weapons" and large-capacity magazines, and limits tied to domestic violence records.
- Permitless carry at risk: Edwards predicts repeal of Arizona's 2010 permitless carry law, the first in the nation, could be an early target, alongside a permit-to-purchase requirement.
- Legal fight ahead: Edwards points out any new restrictions would likely face court challenges, though he warns the Ninth Circuit's track record makes quick wins for gun owners less certain.
Quick take
Edwards compares the situation to Virginia's 2020 Democratic trifecta, which produced a dozen gun control laws in one session, and argues Arizona Democrats have little incentive to moderate even if some voters didn't vote for sweeping changes. For gun owners in Arizona, the question isn't whether bills will be introduced, but how many pass before litigation can catch up.
Read the full story: bearingarms.com