Ron DeSantis scores Gun Owners of America endorsement

Running statewide as a Republican, endorsements from gun owner groups matter. Thursday, the Gun Owners of America endorsed Ron DeSantis for Senate.

The Gun Owners of America consists of over 300,000 members, and is described by Ron Paul as “the only no-compromise gun lobby in Washington.”

And in the Florida GOP Senate primary, they see DeSantis as their guy.

“Ron DeSantis is a rock solid, 100% supporter of ALL of our constitutional rights — including the Second Amendment,” said Tim Macy, Chairman of the Gun Owners of America, in a letter to their members. “Ron DeSantis is exactly the kind of public servant we need in the U.S. Senate. Ron is a decorated member of the U.S. Navy, having served in Iraq, and he currently serves in the reserves. He has put his live on the line defending our freedoms abroad and in the U.S. House fighting against the anti-gunners who are bent on destroying the U.S. Constitution.”

DeSantis, meanwhile, used the endorsement to affirm his commitment to Second Amendment rights.

“I am a strong defender of the Second Amendment and I remain committed to protecting the rights of the millions of law-abiding Floridians who own firearms,” said DeSantis. “I will also insist that nominees to the U.S. Supreme Court uphold the Second Amendment and I will oppose any Court nominee who is willing to erase this important right from the Constitution through judicial fiat.  I’m proud to stand with Florida’s gun owners and sportsmen and will continue to defend their freedoms.”

DeSantis, given an A+ rating by the NRA already, will be strongly positioned against candidates that attempt to get to the right of him on issues of gun rights. In a primary that looks to have lots of competition on the right, this GOA endorsement means a great deal.