Trust the People: Second Amendment — Keep It Simple, Keep It Wyoming

Wyoming doesn’t need a new conversation about the Second Amendment—we live it. From the backcountry to Main Street, responsible gun ownership is part of daily life here. We already have one of the freest legal environments in the country, and it’s working. My stance is straightforward: roll back to the plain text of the Second Amendment and leave this issue alone. No new bills, no new carve-outs, no new bureaucracy. Keep it clear, keep it steady, keep it Wyoming.

What does that mean in practice? First, stability. Families, sportsmen, and small businesses should be able to plan their lives without chasing changing rules. Wyoming’s framework—constitutional carry, a single statewide rulebook rather than a patchwork of local ordinances, and common-sense expectations—already reflects the trust we place in responsible people. I support keeping that framework as it is. When freedom is working, the best leadership is restraint.

Second, clarity. Even in a state that keeps things simple, people still want clean, accurate information. If you’re traveling, if you’re new to the state, or if you’re a longtime resident helping a friend understand the basics, you shouldn’t have to dig through rumor threads to find an answer. I favor maintaining a single, plain-English page that summarizes the essentials—where carry is generally allowed or restricted under existing law, how reciprocity with other states works for those who choose to carry a permit for travel, and the common “do’s and don’ts” that keep everyone on the same page. That’s communication, not legislation.

Third, predictable transactions. Where the law requires a background check (for example, in certain retail contexts), the standard should be speed and accuracy—period. Law-abiding people shouldn’t be hung up by clerical errors or confusing process steps. That’s not a call for new policy—it’s a call for competent administration and clear guidance so families and retailers aren’t left guessing. No new fees, no new hoops, no drama.

Fourth, respect for Wyoming’s culture. Our approach to rights and responsibilities is taught by families, mentors, and local organizations, not micromanaged by new agencies. The best safety culture is local, voluntary, and commonsense. Keep government light, let neighbors lead, and keep the conversation focused on what we already do well: responsibility, respect for property rights, and courtesy on the land.

Finally, avoid the tug-of-war. Every few years, other states get caught in a cycle of “do something, undo something,” and citizens are the ones whipsawed by the uncertainty. That’s not us. Wyoming thrives on consistency. I’m not interested in chasing national trends or picking fights to generate headlines. I’m interested in keeping what works and leaving it alone.

So if you’re asking what changes I’d push on firearms policy, here’s the answer: none. I’ll defend the status quo, keep the state’s simple rulebook intact, and insist that communication stays clear. I’ll oppose efforts to complicate or nationalize a debate that Wyoming has already resolved with common sense and trust in its people.

That’s what it means to Be Something Different: lead with steadiness, not spectacle. In a world that can’t stop tinkering, Wyoming can set the example—freedom without friction, rights without red tape, and respect without the grandstanding.

Bottom line: Wyoming already honors the Second Amendment. Let’s keep it that way—simple, steady, and unmistakably Wyoming.

FAQs

Q1: Are you proposing any new gun legislation?
No. My stance is to keep Wyoming’s current framework in place. No new restrictions, no new expansions—stability and clarity are the goal.

Q2: Do I need a permit to carry concealed in Wyoming?
Wyoming recognizes permitless (constitutional) carry for eligible adults. A state permit is optional and mainly helpful for reciprocity when you travel.

Q3: Will you change how localities handle firearms?
No. Wyoming uses a single statewide rulebook. I support maintaining a uniform approach so citizens aren’t navigating a patchwork of local rules.

Q4: What about background checks at retail?
Where required by existing law, they should be fast and accurate. That’s about competent administration—not new policy.

Q5: Are you creating new programs or agencies?
No. The approach is leave it alone: defend current law, communicate clearly, and avoid new bureaucratic layers.