FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 14, 2026
Contact: Justin Davis, NRA Director of Public Affairs
Email: [email protected] | Phone: 207-475-4835
NRA Launches New Texas Senate Ad as Part of Multi-Million Dollar Campaign to Retain Pro-Gun Majorities in Congress
FAIRFAX, Va. — The National Rifle Association today released a new 30-second ad highlighting Democrat U.S. Senate candidate James Talarico’s longstanding support for banning so-called “assault weapons” and standard-capacity magazines—the firearms and accessories owned by millions of law-abiding Texans.
The ad is one component of the NRA’s multi-million dollar investment to retain pro-gun majorities in Congress ahead of the November midterm elections. It is running in conjunction with the NRA’s Gun Bus battleground tour and the organization’s conventional get-out-the-vote operation, which includes millions of the world-famous NRA Orange Cards, targeted text messages, and door-knocking efforts across Texas and other battleground states.
The ad, titled “Yes Absolutely,” features Talarico’s own words. In a 2020 video, Talarico endorsed a ban on assault weapons and commonly owned magazines. When asked more recently on NewsNation whether an assault weapons ban remains “on the table,” he replied simply: “Absolutely.”
“James Talarico has been coming for our guns for years,” the ad states. “He would outlaw the most popular firearms in Texas… With control of the Senate up for grabs, Talarico sides with the most radical gun grabbers in Washington. Don't be left defenseless. Vote like your rights depend on it. Defeat James Talarico.”
NRA-PVF Chairman John Commerford said Talarico’s position is clear and disqualifying for a Texas Senate candidate:
“By vowing to vote for a so-called assault weapons ban if elected to the Senate, James Talarico kicked a hornet’s nest. Nearly half of Texas households have guns, and millions of law-abiding Texans own the very rifles and standard-capacity magazines he would ban. Gun owners will decide this election—and Talarico just gave them another reason to vote.”
The NRA has identified defeating Talarico—whom the organization has called “Beto 2.0”—as a top priority in Texas. Talarico’s legislative record includes voting against constitutional carry and supporting stricter gun-control measures. His candidacy threatens the pro-gun majority in the U.S. Senate and the Second Amendment rights of Texans. This Texas ad is one element of the NRA’s broader multi-million dollar investment in races across the country to protect and expand pro-gun majorities in the House and Senate.
NRA Gun Bus Tour and Grassroots GOTV Mobilize Texas Voters
In conjunction with its advertising campaign, the NRA is deploying its Gun Bus on a battleground tour through Texas and executing its traditional get-out-the-vote program to energize and mobilize Second Amendment supporters ahead of Election Day.
The Gun Bus will make multiple stops across the state, offering NRA members and gun owners opportunities to learn about candidates’ records, register to vote, receive issue updates, and join local get-out-the-vote activities. At the same time, the NRA is distributing millions of its world-famous Orange Cards, sending targeted text messages, and conducting door-to-door outreach to ensure gun owners turn out.
“The Gun Bus is bringing the fight for freedom directly to Texas communities, backed by the same proven grassroots tools that have mobilized NRA members for decades—millions of Orange Cards, text messages, and door knocking,” Commerford added. “With control of the Senate hanging in the balance, we’re combining our ad campaigns with boots-on-the-ground outreach to ensure gun owners turn out and vote to protect their rights.”
NRA members and Second Amendment supporters in Texas are urged to vote as if their rights depend on it on November 3.
About the National Rifle Association
Founded in 1871, the National Rifle Association is America’s oldest and most effective civil rights organization, defending the Second Amendment rights of all law-abiding citizens. The NRA works in Congress, state legislatures, and courtrooms nationwide to protect the right to keep and bear arms.
To view the ad: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QpKPLzuLiuA
For more information on the NRA Gun Bus tour stops or media inquiries, contact NRA Public Affairs.
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