WGO Warns of New Gun-Control Push Under State’s Supermajority Democratic Leadership
Wisconsin Gun Owners urges grassroots preparation post-election as political control shifts and previously proposed restrictions could return.
Wisconsin Governor-elect David Crowley will lead a supermajority “trifecta” of Democratic leadership in the Wisconsin legislature, beginning in January, 2027. Gun rights advocates have reason to worry.
Madison, Wis.—Gun owners in Wisconsin could face a new wave of firearm restrictions as Democrats assume control of the state’s political institutions, prompting Wisconsin Gun Owners (WGO) to warn that the next two years could bring significant challenges to Second Amendment rights.
The organization says the combination of Democratic political victories, substantial financial support from national gun-control organizations and the legislative history of incoming Gov. David Crowley raises concerns about the direction of Wisconsin firearm policy.
Corey Graff, executive director of Wisconsin Gun Owners, said gun owners should not wait until restrictive legislation is introduced before becoming involved in defending their rights.
“There’s a dangerous tendency among gun owners to assume that because Wisconsin has historically been a relatively good state for firearms ownership, it will always remain that way,” Graff said. “That’s a mistake. Political circumstances change, and constitutional rights can be lost when people become complacent. We need to be organized and prepared before the next legislative session begins, not scrambling to respond after the damage is done.”
The concerns follow an election cycle in which Democrats secured victories across Wisconsin’s major political institutions, creating a substantially different environment for gun-rights advocates.
WGO says it has identified several potential areas of concern, including so-called assault weapons bans, magazine capacity restrictions, universal background checks, red-flag laws, firearm purchase waiting periods and restrictions on National Firearms Act (NFA) firearms and suppressors.
Although it remains uncertain which proposals Democrats may pursue, WGO says the legislative history of some incoming political leaders provides reason for concern.
Crowley, who served in the Wisconsin State Assembly from approximately 2017 to 2020, previously sponsored or co-sponsored several firearm-related proposals that would have significantly changed Wisconsin gun laws.
Among those anti-gun measures were proposals to prohibit certain semiautomatic firearms without grandfathering provisions, restrict magazines holding more than 10 rounds, require microstamping technology on new semiautomatic handguns, establish firearm purchase waiting periods and implement so-called red-flag or “extreme protection order” laws.
Other proposals included universal background checks, restrictions affecting individuals on the federal no-fly list and mandatory liability insurance requirements for concealed carry permit holders.
The microstamping proposal was particularly significant because it would have required new semi-automatic handguns sold in Wisconsin to incorporate technology intended to mark ammunition casings with identifying information.
WGO also expressed concern about previous legislative proposals addressing ammunition. According to WGO, Wisconsin Democrats have supported measures targeting both expanding and non-expanding ammunition, potentially affecting a broad range of commonly used handgun and rifle ammunition.
“These aren’t hypothetical ideas that somebody just dreamed up,” Graff said. “Many of these proposals have already been introduced or supported by Wisconsin politicians. The question now is whether the new political majority will attempt to revive them and turn them into law. Wisconsin gun owners need to understand what’s at stake.”
National Gun-Control Spending Raises Questions
Another concern identified by the no-compromise gun rights organization is the financial support national gun-control organizations have provided to Democratic political efforts in Wisconsin.
Organizations including Everytown for Gun Safety and Giffords PAC have invested heavily in political campaigns and elections across the country, including Wisconsin races involving the state Supreme Court, governor’s office and state legislative seats.
WGO examined approximately a decade of political expenditures and identified millions of dollars in spending directly associated with Wisconsin elections. It also identified substantial multistate expenditures supporting Democratic candidates in gubernatorial and legislative races.
Because some national expenditures were divided among multiple states, determining Wisconsin’s precise share is difficult. However, WGO estimated that combined direct and allocated spending by gun-control organizations benefiting Democratic political efforts in Wisconsin could exceed $10 million.
WGO argues that the financial investment demonstrates the importance national gun-control organizations place on Wisconsin’s political direction.
Graff said gun-rights advocates should pay attention to the relationship between political spending and legislative priorities.
“National gun-control organizations didn’t invest millions of dollars in Wisconsin politics because they wanted nothing in return,” Graff said. “They understand that Wisconsin is an important battleground state. Now that their preferred politicians have gained political power, gun owners have every reason to be concerned about what those organizations will expect in return.”
From Blue Wave to Gun Control Wave
Some gun-control legislation could be introduced as lawmakers soon after being sworn in, in an attempt to demonstrate their commitment to supporters and political organizations that helped elect them.
Among the potential legislative targets identified were universal background checks, semi-automatic firearm bans, magazine restrictions, National Firearms Act firearm restrictions, red-flag laws and changes to Wisconsin’s concealed carry statutes.
Possible concealed carry changes could include expanding the list of prohibited locations or increasing penalties for carrying firearms in restricted areas.
While the precise legislative agenda remains unknown, WGO believes several of these issues could become major political battles before the next election cycle.
WGO Prepares for Grassroots Fight
Wisconsin Gun Owners says its immediate priority is ensuring that Wisconsin gun owners are informed, organized and prepared to oppose restrictive legislation.
The organization advocates for the right to keep and bear arms in Wisconsin and conducts grassroots lobbying and other advocacy activities aimed at influencing state firearm policy.
WGO says an effective response will require monitoring legislation, communicating with members, mobilizing constituents and holding elected officials accountable for their positions and votes.
The organization also anticipates that legal challenges could become necessary if lawmakers enact restrictions that violate constitutional protections.
However, litigation can be expensive and time-consuming, making grassroots organization and early legislative opposition especially important.
Graff said WGO intends to remain active throughout the upcoming legislative session and is encouraging supporters to help strengthen the organization’s ability to respond to potential threats.
“There’s no substitute for having a strong, independent Wisconsin organization that is willing to stand up and fight when politicians threaten our rights,” Graff said. “We cannot depend on national organizations to do this work for us. Wisconsin gun owners need a voice here at home, and WGO intends to make sure they have one.”
The organization is encouraging gun owners to follow legislative developments, contact their elected representatives and financially support grassroots efforts to defend the Second Amendment.
Wisconsin has long maintained a comparatively favorable environment for firearm ownership, although gun-rights advocates acknowledge that existing laws are not perfect.
WGO believes preserving those freedoms will require continued vigilance as the state’s political leadership changes.
For Wisconsin gun owners, the coming legislative session could provide an early indication of whether the new political majority intends to pursue the firearm restrictions previously supported by some of its members.
Graff said the organization plans to be ready.
“The anti-gun lobby has been preparing for this political moment for years,” he said. “Now it’s time for Wisconsin gun owners to prepare, too. We have a lot to lose, and we cannot afford to sit on the sidelines.”
TAKE ACTION:
1. JOIN or RENEW your membership in Wisconsin Gun Owners, Inc.
2. Already a member? We still need the help. CLICK HERE to make a pro-gun donation.
Category: News & Alerts
