Democratic Presidential Candidates’ Gun Control Proposals: A Comprehensive Overview

Democratic presidential candidates are ramping up their gun control proposals in the aftermath of recent mass shootings in Odessa, Texas, El Paso, and Dayton, Ohio. With more than 30 victims dead, the candidates are pushing for progressive plans to address the ongoing issue of gun violence in America.

One of the most ambitious plans comes from former candidate Sen. Cory Booker, who introduced a comprehensive gun violence prevention plan that would require all gun owners to acquire a license through the federal government. This proposal has sparked a conversation among Democrats, with candidates like Sen. Elizabeth Warren, former HUD Secretary Julian Castro, Mayor Pete Buttigieg, and former Rep. Beto O’Rourke expressing support for a national gun licensing program.

O’Rourke, who also called for banks and credit card companies to stop processing assault weapons sales without background checks, has been vocal about the need for stricter gun control measures. Other candidates, like former Vice President Joe Biden and Sen. Bernie Sanders, have expressed support for buyback programs and renewing the assault weapons ban.

The issue of gun control has affected candidates and voters nationwide, with many candidates having experienced mass shootings in their states while in office. Sen. Kamala Harris, for example, was in office during two of California’s deadliest mass shootings, while former Gov. John Hickenlooper of Colorado signed gun control measures after the Aurora movie theater shooting in 2012.

Some candidates have evolved on the issue of guns, with O’Rourke changing his stance on federal gun licensing and buyback programs after recent shootings. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand and Rep. Tim Ryan have also shifted their positions on gun control, moving from high ratings from the NRA to supporting stricter measures.

Candidates who have military experience, like Rep. Seth Moulton, Mayor Pete Buttigieg, and Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, have all expressed support for a ban on military-style assault rifles. Their perspective as veterans trained to use guns in combat adds a unique dimension to the gun control debate.

As the 2020 election approaches, the issue of gun control remains a top priority for Democratic presidential candidates, with each offering their own proposals to address the epidemic of gun violence in America.