Buckeye Firearms Association Political Action Committee announced on Apr. 15 its endorsement of Vivek Ramaswamy and Rob McColley in the upcoming 2026 Ohio gubernatorial race.
The endorsement is significant for supporters of gun rights, as Buckeye Firearms Association advocates for the right of individuals to own and use firearms for legal pursuits including self-defense, hunting, competition, and recreation, according to the official website.
Dean Rieck, executive director of Buckeye Firearms Association, said during a news conference at Vance Outdoors in Obetz that “We’ve been working on elections for nearly a quarter century. And this is one of the rare times when the choice is easy, obvious, and exciting. Vivek is not only a supporter of the Second Amendment; he’s also an outspoken champion. And I couldn’t be happier with our PAC’s decision to endorse him.” The event included remarks from both candidates and time spent on the shooting range with association leaders.
Linda Walker, president of Buckeye Firearms Association and an NRA board member, also spoke at the event. “We know that Vivek is a strong supporter of the Constitution,” Walker said. “We look forward to working with him on issues important to gun owners, hunters, and families throughout the state. For these reasons and many more, Buckeye Firearms Association PAC enthusiastically endorses Vivek Ramaswamy for governor of Ohio.”
Ramaswamy has received an A+ grade from BFA PAC among a small group of candidates endorsed by the organization this year. He describes himself as a “Second Amendment absolutist” who opposes restrictions on law-abiding citizens and supports constitutional carry policies as well as armed security in schools.
In his own words at the event: “There is no true freedom without the Second Amendment. China, Iran, and many other despotic nations have, on paper, the same freedoms that our Constitution guarantees, with one glaring exception: the Second Amendment.” He added that “The Second Amendment is the amendment that puts teeth into the entire Bill of Rights…”
Following his acceptance speech he said he was honored by BFA’s support: “The right to keep and bear arms is not negotiable, and Ohio needs a governor who stands for the Second Amendment without apology,” he said.
Buckeye Firearms Association concentrates its efforts in Ohio according to its official website. The group delivers alerts about laws affecting gun rights legislation within Ohio communities.According to their website, they provide updates about related events along with training information relevant to firearm owners.
As election season approaches in Ohio—where BFA functions as a grassroots entity focused on firearm rights—the organization urges all gun owners across Ohio to participate in both primary and general elections later this year.
