Republican women now outpace Democrat men in gun ownership, highlighting a growing partisan divide.
At a Glance
- 33% of Republican women versus 29% of Democrat men own firearms from 2019-2024.
- Gun ownership among Republican women rose by 14 points from 2013 to 2018.
- The gap in gun ownership between political parties has widened from 16 to 28 points from 2007 to 2024.
- 60% of Republicans, but only 16% of liberals, report gun ownership.
Partisan Gap in Gun Ownership
Recent polling data has revealed a notable shift in firearm ownership within political party lines. More Republican women own firearms than Democratic men, with a significant 4% difference between the two groups from 2019 to 2024. This divergence reflects the ideological disparities between the parties, where Republicans tend to regard gun ownership as a crucial element of personal liberty, contrasting with Democrats who advocate for stricter regulations.
The increase in Republican women’s gun ownership represents a broader transformation in how firearms are perceived and utilized across gender and party divides. From 2013 to 2018, Republican women’s gun ownership surged by 14 percentage points, a significant rise mirrored by the overall uptick in U.S. households owning firearms.
"Gun ownership among U.S. adults is holding steady near 30%, but that masks a sharp increase in ownership among Republican women offsetting declines among Democratic and independent men." https://t.co/g23cicAspG
— Rob Romano (@2Aupdates) November 21, 2024
Gender and Regional Dynamics
While 43% of men overall report owning firearms, only 20% of women do, though this gender gap has slightly narrowed in recent years. The rural lifestyle significantly influences these figures, with 50% of rural residents reporting gun ownership compared to 20% in urban settings. These statistics are vital in understanding the political and cultural aspects driving the nation’s dialogue on gun control.
Beyond gender, political affiliation plays a crucial role. With 60% of Republican men reportedly owning guns, only a small fraction, about 16%, of political liberals can say the same. These discrepancies underline the complex relationship between political views and personal freedoms exercised by owning firearms.
They did it again. https://t.co/ABl3Fwh42y pic.twitter.com/IjzNioni6O
— National Association for Gun Rights (@NatlGunRights) November 21, 2024
Impact on Elections and Legislation
Gun ownership has a profound impact on political campaigns and legislative maneuvers. In the 2024 election, gun policy emerged as a critical issue, deeply influencing voter behavior among both Trump and Harris supporters. Such debates on firearm legislation shape not only election resolutions but also the broader landscape of American policy-making.
Even with differing opinions, personal safety remains the primary motivation for gun ownership, cited by 81% of owners. The fluctuating rates of ownership, the analysis of defensive handgun use, and the public’s evolving stance on gun control policies all signify the ongoing transformation in America’s relationship with firearms.
