John Commerford of the NRA Institute for Legislative Action warned in the Washington Examiner that Senate contests in Texas and Michigan could damage firearm rights nationwide if James Talarico or Abdul El-Sayed wins. Talarico has backed bans on popular semi-automatic firearms and standard magazines, mandatory storage, penalties for private sales, and background checks that NSSF says would require a national registry, along with three Texas bills on out-of-state carry, range rentals, and licensing that Republicans blocked.

El-Sayed, a Democratic Socialists of America member, has proposed changing the Constitution to replace the right to arms with government healthcare, denied any individual self-defense right, and limited ownership to government forces after earlier police-defunding remarks. Commerford cited a Venezuelan immigrant named Daniel who described disarmament under tyranny and urged voters in those states and elsewhere to support Second Amendment candidates rather than stay home.