The Second Amendment is for every law-abiding American adult, regardless of political affiliation or socioeconomic status. Particularly in Virginia in 2026, the line on gun rights runs straight between the two major parties.
Or, it did.
Mark Moran (D) is challenging incumbent Democratic Sen. Mark Warner in the party primary, and his stance on gun rights is ruffling the feathers of those who should be in allegiance with him. The former Wall Street banker and reality show contestant drew fire for his prominent stance on gun rights.
Candidate sharply breaks with party on gun rights issues
The Daily Caller News Foundation first reported that Moran described his party as “completely wrong on the Second Amendment.” The candidate noted that leaders drifted far from what they call common-sense gun control.
“After facing a personal safety issue, I got a gun,” the candidate explained. “It made me realize how extreme our party’s stance has become.” Moran added that some of his colleagues consider regular handguns to be “assault firearms” that the government has the right to confiscate.
Response from candidate’s colleagues was prompt and harsh
He cited a significant threat he received early in his run for Congress, underscoring the importance of personal security measures.
There was almost immediate blowback from prominent Democratic strategist Adam Parkhomenko. He posted a vulgar rebuke on X before adding, “We’re not doing that anymore.”
Virginia Senate President L. Louise Lucas (D) blasted Moran as a candidate who “doesn’t share our values.” If those values include wanting to deny constitutional rights and strip guns away from law-abiding citizens, then the candidate is to be applauded.
His website makes his position on gun rights clear. “The Second Amendment isn’t about hunting. It’s the final check on a government that seeks to control its citizens. It’s exactly what Jefferson warned us about.”
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