History of Ohio Gun Owners
2015: Ohio Gun Owners is Founded
Ohio Gun Owners is founded by Chris Dorr, with early support and strategic leadership from pro-gun champions like the late Rep. Ron Hood, the late Senator Kris Jordan, and former Representatives Tom Brinkman and Bill Dean. The mission is simple: build a no-compromise, grassroots army to pressure the Ohio General Assembly and crush gun control at every turn.
2016: First Statewide Mobilization
OGO launches full-scale political operations with aggressive email, direct mail, digital ads, and video campaigns — exposing weak Republicans and anti-gun Democrats alike. From day one, OGO makes it clear: we don’t play political games, we pressure politicians.
2017: Ron Hood Introduces Stand-Your-Ground
Working with OGO, Rep. Ron Hood introduces a bold Stand-Your-Ground law that eliminates the “duty to retreat.” OGO uses the bill to build public pressure and expose moderates who try to stall it — laying the groundwork for a major future win.
2018: Blocking Red Flag & Background Check Schemes
OGO leads the charge in blocking gun-control bills pushed by Governor John Kasich in the wake of the February 14, 2018 school shooting in Parkland, Florida, including early attempts at “red flag” laws and expanded background checks. Weak Republicans back off after feeling grassroots heat, which was fully demonstrated on the Ohio Statehouse lawn at the largest gun rights rally ever held in Ohio.
2019: Statewide Campaign Against Red Flag Laws
After the Dayton shooting, Governor DeWine pushes hard for red flag gun confiscation. OGO leads a brutal counter-campaign, flooding the Statehouse with calls, emails, and public pressure. DeWine’s proposal collapses under the weight of public outrage. OGO holds the line.
2020: Grassroots Momentum Surges
OGO mobilizes tens of thousands of supporters online and offline. Direct mail, video content, social ads, and petition drives turn gun owners into a devastatingly effective political force. The groundwork is set for an incoming wave of pro-gun legislation.
2021: Stand-Your-Ground Signed Into Law
After years of pressure from OGO members, Stand-Your-Ground is signed into law in Ohio, removing the duty to retreat from self-defense situations. OGO categorizes this as a massive grassroots victory, earned by mobilizing gun owners — not political handshakes.
2022: Constitutional Carry Becomes Law
OGO-backed legislation finally eliminates the permit requirement to carry a handgun in Ohio. Constitutional Carry becomes the law of the land. OGO celebrates the win but immediately pivots to SAPA — knowing federal threats are mounting.
2023: SAPA Drafting and Strategic Prep
OGO works behind the scenes to build out the Second Amendment Preservation Act (SAPA). While no bill is yet introduced, groundwork is laid, and multiple lawmakers are recruited to help carry the torch.
2024: Fight Against Biden-Era ATF Overreach
As federal gun control continues under Biden’s lingering executive orders, OGO ramps up public education and legislative momentum for SAPA. Video campaigns hammer Ohio Republicans for inaction and demand action before it’s too late, and an initial floor vote is held in the Ohio House during the dwindling hours of the 135th Ohio General Assembly.
2025: HB382: SAPA Introduced with 35 Cosponsors
Rep. Tex Fischer introduces HB382, the Ohio Second Amendment Protection Act, with an astonishing 35 cosponsors, including several House leaders. OGO unleashes a full pressure campaign to advance the bill, calling on gun owners to demand action from the House Speaker and Senate leadership.
2025: Ohio Freedom To Carry Act Gains Momentum
Rep. Jennifer Gross partners with OGO to draft and carry the Ohio Freedom To Carry Act, a next-generation carry bill that eliminates the last restrictions on where law-abiding citizens can carry any legally owned weapon – not just handguns. Cosponsor momentum builds before the bill is even formally introduced.