Portrait of Tim Walz
Politician · policy
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Tim Walz on Gun Control

Strong advocate for restrictions (strong)

TL;DR

Governor Tim Walz strongly advocates for significant new gun control measures, including an assault weapons ban and universal background checks.

Key Points

  • He has made passing a gun violence prevention package, including red flag laws, a legislative priority during his tenure.

  • In December 2025, Governor Walz issued two executive orders aimed at addressing gun violence due to a lack of legislative votes.

  • The Governor has specifically revived his push for a ban on assault weapons in legislative proposals as of February 2026.

Summary

Governor Tim Walz maintains a firm and consistent position in favor of stricter gun control legislation in Minnesota, which he has repeatedly sought to enact. His core stance centers on passing comprehensive public safety legislation that includes measures such as universal background checks, red flag laws, and a ban on certain semi-automatic firearms, often referred to as an assault weapons ban. Following legislative sessions where these measures did not pass, he has utilized executive authority to enact policies where legally possible, demonstrating a commitment to action even without full legislative consensus.

Contextually, the governor's push for gun control measures often intensifies after high-profile acts of violence, framing these policies as essential prevention tools rather than purely reactive measures. While a Democratic-Farmer-Labor trifecta in the state legislature has given him a stronger platform to advance these goals recently, initial attempts faced resistance, leading him to employ executive orders when legislative avenues stalled. This history shows an evolution in strategy from seeking legislative wins to using executive power to implement aspects of his gun safety agenda.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tim Walz holds a strong position supporting comprehensive gun control measures. He advocates for legislation that includes universal background checks, red flag laws, and bans on certain semi-automatic firearms. Governor Walz has consistently worked to advance these policies through the Minnesota legislature.

There is no indication that Tim Walz has fundamentally changed his core stance favoring stricter gun regulations. His commitment to measures like an assault weapons ban has been consistent. However, his strategy has evolved, shifting to using executive orders when legislative action stalls.

When the legislature has not passed his desired gun safety measures, Tim Walz has utilized executive orders to address gun violence. He took executive action in December 2025 when lawmakers did not approve his full regulation package. Governor Walz views executive action as a necessary tool to enact his vision for public safety.