On March 26, 2025, Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin reaffirmed his support for the rights of law-abiding gun owners by vetoing two dozen bills that would have trampled on the Second Amendment freedoms of the citizens of the Commonwealth. Similar to last session, Governor Youngkin disposed of egregious legislation that would have emboldened criminals and left peaceable Virginians defenseless.
“On behalf of Virginia’s NRA members and Second Amendment supporters, I want to thank Governor Youngkin for standing strong in his support for the Second Amendment by vetoing the litany of gun control bills pushed through the General Assembly this year,” said John Commerford, Executive Director of the NRA Institute for Legislative Action (NRA-ILA). “For the second year in a row, gun control activists tried to enact dozens of radical, California-style laws that would have severely restricted the Second Amendment rights of gun owners in the Commonwealth. The NRA applauds Governor Youngkin for upholding his promise to protect our Constitutional freedoms.”
The bills vetoed by Governor Youngkin came from the long wish list of radical gun control activists. This included attempts to restrict the Constitutional rights of 18- to 20-year-old adults, dramatically expand gun-free zones that would have left law-abiding Virginians defenseless and enact a mandatory waiting period to take possession of a legally purchased firearm. In addition, the vetoed legislation would have banned a wide range of commonly owned firearms used by Virginians to hunt, compete and for self-defense.
“While yesterday was a victory for gun rights in the Old Dominion, the NRA will remain vigilant and engaged to fight off future attempts to restrict freedom,” continued Commerford. “There’s no doubt that out-of-state gun control groups will be active in Virginia again next session, recycling many, if not all, of these anti-gun bills. That’s why it’s critical for Second Amendment supporters to turn out in November and ensure that the next Governor of the Commonwealth is one who will work tirelessly to preserve Virginians’ Second Amendment rights and ensure law-abiding gun owners can protect themselves and their loved ones.”
This fall, Virginia voters will head to the polls to elect a Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, and members of the House of Delegates. NRA members and Second Amendment supporters are encouraged to visit www.nrapvf.org to learn about races in their area.
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