Ohio stands at a critical crossroads. Every legal protection we have fought so hard to secure over the years − from constitutional carry to removing the duty to retreat when facing a violent threat − is on the line this election.
As Thomas Jefferson wisely warned, "Laws that forbid the carrying of arms... disarm only those who are neither inclined nor determined to commit crimes." Anti-gun special interest groups are counting on law-abiding gun owners to stay home so they can strip away our civil rights. To defend our constitutional protections, we must elect Jon Husted to the U.S. Senate and Vivek Ramaswamy as governor.
Husted and Brown differ on gun regulation
In U.S. Senator Jon Husted, Ohioans have a proven advocate. As Speaker of the Ohio House, Husted spearheaded comprehensive concealed
carry reform, courageously overriding a gubernatorial veto to protect gun owners. He championed laws ensuring citizens have no duty to retreat when facing an imminent threat.
Husted understands a fundamental truth: expanding constitutional rights and trusting law-abiding citizens yields real results − freedom means less crime. When a criminal threatens your home in the dark of night, Husted believes you shouldn't have to ask a politician for permission to defend your family.
While Husted fights for self-defense, his opponent, Sherrod Brown, has compiled an F-rated voting record in Washington. Brown repeatedly voted to ban commonly owned semi-automatic firearms and standard-capacity magazines used by millions for self-defense. He supports federal red-flag laws that strip due process and universal background check mandates that penalize law-abiding citizens. Brown also voted against liability protections for lawful firearm manufacturers and consistently opposed constitutionalist judges.
Ending Brown's anti-gun record in Washington is a moral necessity to ensure government bureaucrats never strip away our fundamental right to protect our homes and families.
Ramaswamy and Acton offer contrasting approaches to gun policy
In the governor’s mansion, Ohio needs a constitutional absolutist like Vivek Ramaswamy, who recognizes self-defense as a natural right and opposes gun registration schemes and red-flag orders.
In stark contrast, Democratic candidate Amy Acton directly threatens our self-defense rights. Acton frames gun ownership as a "public health crisis," backing red-flag confiscation orders and expanded background check restrictions that punish law-abiding citizens. As former health director, her willingness to shut down shooting ranges proves she will use executive overreach to restrict our constitutional rights.
Ohio's gun rights debate extends beyond Election Day
George Mason, a primary author of the Second Amendment, warned: "To disarm the people is the best and most effectual way to enslave them." Politicians never gave us our freedoms, and we cannot preserve them by sitting on the sidelines.
If Ohio’s Second Amendment advocates turn out and vote, we are unstoppable. Vote for your family, your safety and the future of a free Ohio.
Elect Jon Husted for U.S. Senate and Vivek Ramaswamy for governor.
Sean Maloney is the legislative director of the Buckeye Firearms Association, a former NRA Board member and a civil rights and firearms attorney. He lives in West Chester Township.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Ohio's gun laws become a dividing line in 2026 races | Opinion
