MJ Hegar, one of the Democrats running for U.S. Senate in 2020, was asked earlier this week about the idea of a mandatory gun buyback program for assault rifles. “I am willing to consider anything that I think will be effective. I’m not convinced that will be effective,” Hegar said.
“He has an opinion. I have a different opinion,” she said of the policy popularized by Beto O’Rourke on the campaign trail. “I am grateful to him for bringing up things that are pushing the envelope on this conversation. That’s different than saying he’s wrong.”
The Dallas Morning News first reported her comments.
Hegar’s position on the government buyback program quickly drew a response from her rivals who took the opportunity to reiterate their support for such a policy.
“I disagree,” said Cristina Tzintzún Ramirez of Hegar on Twitter. “Without a mandatory buyback program, we’re leaving weapons of war in our communities. That’s a recipe for violence. Our children’s lives are on the line. This isn’t a time for political caution.”
Chris Bell echoed this sentiment.
Despite her opposition against that particular gun safety policy, Hegar has previously called for banning the sale of assault weapons to the public. “I’m a combat veteran, I have used these weapons for their intended purpose in war and that’s where they should belong,” she told the Signal last week.
Photo: Hegar campaign website
Fernando covers Texas politics and government at the Texas Signal. Before joining the Signal, Fernando spent two years at the Houston Chronicle and previously interned at Houston’s NPR station News 88.7. He is a graduate of the University of Houston, Jack J. Valenti School of Communication, and enjoys reading, highlighting things, and arguing on social media. You can follow him on Twitter at @fernramirez93 or email at fernando@texassignal.com
