Gun rights in North Carolina remain in limbo as the fight over permitless carry legislation heats up. In a recent interview on Bearing Arms’ Cam & Co, host Cam Edwards spoke with Grassroots NC President Paul Valone about where things stand after Governor Josh Stein vetoed a bill that would have made North Carolina the 30th state to adopt permitless carry. Though the state Senate has already voted to override the veto, the battle now shifts to the House – where a razor-thin vote margin is keeping gun owners on edge.
According to Valone, four Republican representatives are either holding out or leaning against the override. Without at least one of them flipping to a “yes”, or two Democrats abstaining, the override won’t pass. The stakes are high, and grassroots pressure is mounting.
One Victory Already in Hand
While permitless carry remains stuck, Valone and Edwards did celebrate one recent win. House Bill 193, which allows armed staff in private schools, successfully overcame Governor Stein’s veto. The override passed with exactly the 72 votes required in the House, thanks in part to Democrat Shelley Willingham crossing party lines to support the bill.
Edwards emphasized that this legislation should be seen as a school safety issue, not just a gun rights matter. “It’s outrageous that the governor would deny private schools the option to protect their students if they can’t afford private security,” Edwards said.
A Governor Out of Step with School Safety
Valone didn’t hold back in his criticism of Governor Stein, especially when it came to the school security veto. “He basically told private schools they’re on their own,” Valone said, noting that the bill included only trained, vetted, and voluntary staff carrying concealed firearms.
Both Valone and Edwards pointed out that this isn’t a controversial proposal in most parts of the country. It’s a practical solution for schools that lack the funding to hire full-time police or security staff. For many North Carolinians, it’s common sense – but for the governor, apparently not.
Permitless Carry: Senate Passed It, House Stalling
The bigger issue now is Senate Bill 41, which would eliminate the need for a concealed carry permit altogether. The state Senate has already overridden Stein’s veto. Now it’s up to the House to do the same – but the math is tricky.
As Valone explained, “We have exactly 72 Republicans in the House. We need all of them on board, or we have to get Democrats to abstain or flip.” That’s where the trouble begins. Four Republicans are currently not committed to supporting the override.
One Republican Changes His Mind
There is good news: one Republican, Rep. Bill Brisson, who originally voted “no” on the bill, has now pledged to support the override. Valone confirmed Brisson’s change of heart on the show, calling it a critical move that helps close the gap.
Still, three others – Ted Davis, Jimmy Dixon, Penny, and Ross – remain in doubt. Without at least one of them changing their stance or a couple of Democrats sitting the vote out, the override effort falls short.
Targeting the Holdouts
Valone detailed the pressure campaign now aimed at those remaining Republicans. Grassroots North Carolina has launched robocalls, radio ads, and email alerts directed at the districts of Davis, Dixon, Penny, and Ross.
Valone said he’s especially surprised by opposition from lawmakers in strongly pro-2A districts like Alamance County. “These are areas that are rural and Republican. Their voters expect them to support permitless carry,” he emphasized.
Public Pressure Is the Strategy
Cam Edwards praised the strategy of using public pressure and grassroots organizing to hold lawmakers accountable. “This is how it works,” he said. “You make them feel the heat until they see the light.”
Valone agreed. “They tell us they only want to hear from their constituents. But their votes affect the entire state. So yes, the entire state should weigh in.” He encouraged supporters to visit GRNC.org and use their alert system to contact legislators directly.
Democratic Support Possible – But Uncertain
Interestingly, a few Democrats are showing signs of independence. Valone mentioned that Shelly Willingham, who supported the private school staff bill, might also be willing to back permitless carry – or at least abstain from the vote. He also named Democrats like Carla Cunningham and Cecil Brockman as potential swing votes.
However, he declined to give specifics, noting ongoing discussions behind the scenes. Still, he pointed out that internal pressure from the Democratic Party could backfire. “They’re threatening to primary these people for stepping out of line, but that just drives more of them away.”
The Calendar Is Tight – But Not Closed
While the override vote hasn’t been scheduled yet, Valone said they are targeting August 26th as a possible decision day. “That’s when lawmakers return to Raleigh,” he explained. However, the legislature has until the end of next year’s session to override the veto, if needed.
Even so, both Valone and Edwards stressed the importance of acting sooner rather than later. “Let’s get this done before the calendar flips to September,” Edwards urged.
Republicans May Face Their Own Consequences
Valone made it clear that pressure isn’t only being applied to Democrats. Grassroots NC has a long history of primarying Republicans who abandon gun rights. “We’ve removed Republicans from office before,” Valone said bluntly. “They know it, and that’s what scares them.”
While no names were confirmed, Valone hinted that certain lawmakers could find themselves with challengers if they continue to oppose constitutional carry.
Permitless Carry Is a Movement, Not a Moment
As Edwards noted, if North Carolina passes this bill, it would become the 30th state to adopt permitless carry. That milestone alone adds urgency to the effort. “This isn’t just a North Carolina issue. It’s about momentum nationwide,” he said.
Valone echoed that sentiment, adding, “We lost our rights incrementally. We’re going to win them back the same way – one vote at a time.”
The Fight Isn’t Just Legal – It’s Cultural
What makes this battle so revealing is how deeply personal it’s become. It’s not just a legal debate about concealed carry. It’s about trust, fear, and whether elected officials believe their voters are capable of responsible gun ownership without government permission.
It’s fascinating to watch Democrats get pressured for crossing party lines – and even more fascinating to watch Republicans hesitate in districts where voters expect bold pro-gun leadership. This isn’t just about policy. It’s about political courage.
North Carolina’s Stand Still Matters
Despite all the challenges, this fight isn’t over. Thanks to tireless work from activists like Paul Valone and support from media voices like Cam Edwards, the issue remains front and center in the public eye. Voters are watching. Lawmakers are feeling the pressure.
And as Valone put it, “We’re not going away.” Whether the override happens next week or next year, the gun rights movement in North Carolina is just getting started.
Growing up in the Pacific Northwest, John developed a love for the great outdoors early on. With years of experience as a wilderness guide, he’s navigated rugged terrains and unpredictable weather patterns. John is also an avid hunter and fisherman who believes in sustainable living. His focus on practical survival skills, from building shelters to purifying water, reflects his passion for preparedness. When he’s not out in the wild, you can find him sharing his knowledge through writing, hoping to inspire others to embrace self-reliance.
