Explore The NRA Universe Of Websites

APPEARS IN News

NRA Names New Chief Lobbyist

Wednesday, May 1, 2002

Washington, DC -- The National Rifle Association`s (NRA) Executive Vice-President, Wayne LaPierre, has named Chris Cox as the organization`s new Executive Director of the NRA`s Institute for Legislative Action (NRA-ILA). Cox replaces James Jay Baker. LaPierre made the announcement Monday in Reno, NV at the meeting of the NRA`s board of directors. The appointment takes effect immediately.

"Jim will be changing his relationship with the NRA and returning to private practice. I will miss Jim`s leadership, tough legislative skills and most of all, the partnership we have enjoyed for these many years working together," LaPierre said.

Baker will continue to work with the NRA as a consultant. He will also help coordinate a two-week transition period.

A decade long veteran of Capitol Hill, Cox is well regarded on Capitol Hill by Republicans and Democrats. He is an avid hunter and shooting sports enthusiast. Prior to joining in the NRA, Chris worked as a legislative aide to Congressman John Tanner of Tennessee.

"The NRA board of directors and I, have full confidence in Chris`s ability to tackle all challenges that will come in our direction. Chris has been an integral part of our federal government relations. He is politically astute and results oriented in his management approach. He has what it takes to be the NRA`s chief lobbyist," LaPierre said.

"I am happy to hand the reins of the NRA`s political arm over to Chris. He is an intelligent and talented political operative. I am confident that he will lead NRA-ILA to new heights," Jim Baker said of his successor.

"This is an awesome responsibility. I truly appreciate the support of Wayne, Jim and the board of directors. I will work tirelessly to advance the state and federal legislative and political strategies of this 131 year-old Association," Cox said.

Cox, 32, is a native of Jackson, TN and a graduate of Rhodes College in Memphis, TN.

TRENDING NOW
North Carolina: Update on Permitless Carry

Monday, November 17, 2025

North Carolina: Update on Permitless Carry

Last week the North Carolina General Assembly briefly returned from recess and re-referred Senate Bill 50, Freedom to Carry NC, to the House Rules Committee.

A Dozen Towns in New Jersey Have Nullified Carry Permit Fees Through an Initiative Backed by NJFOS, NRA, and CCRKBA.

Tuesday, December 2, 2025

A Dozen Towns in New Jersey Have Nullified Carry Permit Fees Through an Initiative Backed by NJFOS, NRA, and CCRKBA.

On November 25th, Howell, in Monmouth County, became the 12th municipality in New Jersey to refund all or substantially all the fees required to obtain a permit to carry. The list now includes towns in ...

Ninth Circuit Grants Rehearing En Banc in NRA-Supported Challenge to California’s Ammunition Background Check Requirement

Tuesday, December 2, 2025

Ninth Circuit Grants Rehearing En Banc in NRA-Supported Challenge to California’s Ammunition Background Check Requirement

The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals has granted rehearing en banc in Rhode v. Bonta—a case backed by the National Rifle Association and California Rifle and Pistol Association.

New Jersey: Senate Committee Passes Attack on Garden State Shooting Ranges

Thursday, December 4, 2025

New Jersey: Senate Committee Passes Attack on Garden State Shooting Ranges

On Thursday, December 4, the Senate Law & Public Safety Committee advanced legislation that could potentially weaponize local zoning laws against outdoor shooting ranges. According to the bill statement, “This bill requires a municipality in which ...

California: Governor Newsom Signs Gun Control Bills Into Law

Monday, October 13, 2025

California: Governor Newsom Signs Gun Control Bills Into Law

For someone who has claimed to be"...deeply mindful and respectful of the Second Amendment and people’s Constitutional rights,” Governor Gavin Newsom has once again proven that actions speak louder than words.

Gun Control Advocates Hope to Create Patchwork of Peril to Suppress Civil Rights

News  

Monday, November 24, 2025

Gun Control Advocates Hope to Create Patchwork of Peril to Suppress Civil Rights

Preemption laws offer legal protection for gun owners, but only when they are enforced.

U.S. House Passes Reconciliation Bill, Removing Suppressors from the National Firearms Act

News  

Second Amendment  

Thursday, May 22, 2025

U.S. House Passes Reconciliation Bill, Removing Suppressors from the National Firearms Act

Earlier today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R.1 the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which included Section 2 of the Hearing Protection Act, completely removing suppressors from the National Firearms Act (NFA).

Florida: Pro-Gun Bill Repealing Adult Age Discrimination Advances to House Vote

Wednesday, December 3, 2025

Florida: Pro-Gun Bill Repealing Adult Age Discrimination Advances to House Vote

Yesterday, the House Judiciary Committee voted 13-7 to favorably report pro-gun House Bill 133, which restores the ability for young adults to lawfully purchase firearms. The bill now heads to the full House, where it is ...

Florida: House Judiciary to Hear Pro-Gun Bill Repealing Adult Age Restrictions Tomorrow!

Monday, December 1, 2025

Florida: House Judiciary to Hear Pro-Gun Bill Repealing Adult Age Restrictions Tomorrow!

Tomorrow, December 2nd, at 8:30 AM, the Florida House Judiciary Committee will hear pro-gun House Bill 133, which restores the ability for young adults to lawfully purchase firearms. Use the Take Action link below to contact the ...

President Trump Signs the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” into Law

News  

Friday, July 4, 2025

President Trump Signs the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” into Law

Earlier today, on the 4th of July, a day on which our Founding Fathers declared their intent for a free nation, the President of the United State of America, Donald Trump, signed the “One Big ...

MORE TRENDING +
LESS TRENDING -

More Like This From Around The NRA

NRA ILA

Established in 1975, the Institute for Legislative Action (ILA) is the "lobbying" arm of the National Rifle Association of America. ILA is responsible for preserving the right of all law-abiding individuals in the legislative, political, and legal arenas, to purchase, possess and use firearms for legitimate purposes as guaranteed by the Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.