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July 23, 2025
NSSF Government Relations Team Profile: Chris Lee
NSSF’s Government Relations Team is working hard on behalf of the entire firearm and ammunition industry, both at the federal level and at state capitals across the country. To give our members a better understanding of who is fighting for their businesses and Second Amendment rights every day, NSSF will periodically publish a Government Relations Team member profile. July’s NSSF GR Team profile is for Chris Lee, Director of Government Relations – State Affairs.
1) What is your favorite hunting or recreational shooting sports activity?
I really enjoy upland hunting. Being from the Midwest, I’m comfortable in a tree stand, but I prefer being on the move—and there’s nothing like watching a good bird dog work.
2) How did you become interested in professionally advocating for pro-firearm industry policies and Second Amendment rights?
My father was a history teacher and instilled in me a deep love of history from an early age. I’ve always been fascinated by the founding of this country—the greatest nation to ever exist—and it would not have been possible without armed civilians who fought for their beliefs. I’ve always viewed an armed populace as the foundation of our continued freedom, and I knew early on that I wanted to dedicate my life to defending the right to keep and bear arms. I never imagined I’d have the opportunity to do so professionally, but I feel truly blessed every day to advocate for the Second Amendment and the firearm industry on behalf of NSSF.
3) Describe your role within NSSF to the firearm industry community.
As Director of Government Relations – State Affairs, I lead and coordinate NSSF’s state-level advocacy efforts. When our industry faces a challenge, I work with government partners to resolve it. If harmful legislation or regulations are proposed, it’s my job to organize efforts to amend or defeat them. While much of this work occurs in state legislatures, I also engage with executive officials—governors, treasurers, attorneys general and others.
When I joined NSSF in 2019, our state affairs team was smaller. Between 2019 and 2024, I oversaw lobbying efforts in at least eight states, including (depending on the year) Tennessee, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Michigan, Illinois, Wisconsin, Iowa and Minnesota. As our team has grown, my current portfolio includes Tennessee, Arkansas, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan and Wisconsin.
4) What is your favorite aspect of your role with NSSF while interacting with industry partners?
I really enjoy accompanying legislators and statewide elected officials on tours of NSSF member facilities. Whether it’s a large ammunition plant or a small, family-owned retail shop and range, these tours allow us to showcase the economic and community impact of our industry. They also give us the chance to share real-world challenges and discuss how state policy can support the industry’s growth.
5) Describe your favorite “win” from your role/advocacy on behalf of the firearm industry.
As a proud native Hoosier, I’ve always championed the state of Indiana. Before joining NSSF, I worked for the late Congresswoman Jackie Walorski. At the time—and still today—Indiana ranked among the top states for manufacturing jobs per capita. I had the opportunity to tour many facilities with the Congresswoman and was surprised that Indiana hadn’t attracted more firearm industry relocation, especially as companies were fleeing states like Connecticut, Illinois and California.
I soon discovered that a major deterrent was a lawsuit filed against the firearm industry by the City of Gary in 1999—a case that, incredibly, remains active today. In the late ’90s and early 2000s, several big-city mayors, working with gun control groups and trial lawyers, attempted to bankrupt the firearm industry through litigation. Rather than holding criminals accountable, they tried to shift blame and destroy the industry. Congress and more than 30 states passed laws to protect firearm manufacturers from being held liable for the criminal misuse of their products. These lawsuits were dismissed—except for the one in Gary, Indiana.
This lawsuit has now persisted for over 25 years, threatening Hoosiers’ Second Amendment rights and deterring economic investment in the state.
In 2024, I was proud to lead the effort—on behalf of NSSF and in partnership with dedicated Indiana legislators—to pass House Bill 1235. This bill, made retroactive to August 27, 1999, clarified that no political subdivision in Indiana has the authority to file or maintain lawsuits against the firearm industry; that power rests solely with the state. Despite strong opposition from gun control groups, we got this bill across the finish line. While the lawsuit is still in the courts, I’m hopeful that one day it will be dismissed, allowing Indiana to compete fully for firearm industry investment.
6) What’s a favorite hobby or recreational activity outside of hunting or shooting sports?
I’ve been involved in showing dogs with the American Kennel Club for over 20 years. I originally showed Shetland Sheepdogs—my mom still breeds and shows them, and I co-own a few of her dogs. In 2015, I purchased my first German Shorthaired Pointer, and in 2020, I added a German Wirehaired Pointer. The GSP is a Grand Champion, and the GWP is a Champion. My hope is that my next sporting dog will become a Dual Champion, which simply means that they are a champion in the field and in the show ring.
Although I don’t have as much time for dog shows as I used to, there’s quite a bit of overlap between this hobby and my professional work. Many of the same radical animal rights groups that attack hunting also target dog sports through legislation and litigation. It’s another arena where advocacy is crucial to protect traditions we value.
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