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August 28, 2025
NSSF PROFILE Q&A: West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey
Editor’s Note: We are pleased to post the latest of our occasional Q&A features with an elected official who supports hunting and the shooting sports. NSSF thanks Gov. Patrick Morrisey for speaking with us about his staunch support for the Second Amendment, hunting and recreational target shooting and the importance of the firearm and ammunition industry to residents in the Mountaineer State.
Prior to assuming the office of governor in January 2025, Gov. Morrisey served as West Virginia Attorney General for three terms, from 2013 – 2025. We thank Gov. Morrisey for speaking with us.
1) Why is protecting the Second Amendment so important to your administration?
The right to keep and bear arms is the foundation upon which our great nation was built. It ensures we are able to defend ourselves, our families and our communities.
As our state motto, Montani Semper Liberi, says “Mountaineers are always free.” That freedom we hold so dear includes our God-given right to bear arms and, as your governor, I consider it my solemn duty to safeguard this right.
In recent years, we’ve seen relentless attacks from the far-left politicians and activists who would love nothing more than to chip away at our Second Amendment rights. But West Virginia, we draw a hard line to protect those rights because we know it’s the right thing to do. Without the ability to defend ourselves, we undermine the very values upon which this country was founded.
2) What is your administration doing to protect Second Amendment rights?
Since I took office in January, my administration has delivered on my promise to project the Second Amendment, pushing through critical legislation to safeguard this right. But this is a battle I’ve been fighting long before I became Governor. As Attorney General, I proudly led the charge for Constitutional carry, expanded reciprocity agreements to 38 states, and stood up in courtrooms across the country against unconstitutional gun control laws.
That work has continued since I took office in January. This past April, I signed new pro-Second Amendment bills into law:
- House Bill 2067: This bill stops the outrageous attempt to hold gun manufacturers liable for the criminal misuse of their products.
- House Bill 3342: This law protects firearm businesses from being unfairly “de-banked” by woke financial institutions.
- House Bill 2164: This law allows for West Virginia school security personnel to be armed in both public and private schools so they can step up and save lives should hostile actors threaten our children.
3) What makes West Virginia such an attractive place for shooting sports?
West Virginia is a natural paradise for anyone who loves the outdoors. With our rugged mountains, rolling hills and wide-open public lands, our state is a dream come true for hunters and sport shooters. And I encourage anyone who hasn’t been to West Virginia to visit and see all our beautiful state has to offer.
4) What do you see as challenges moving forward?
As Attorney General and now as Governor, I’ve been on the front line of this fight, arguing in court, shepherding bills through the legislature and building coalitions to defend our Second Amendment rights. Other states may attempt to strip away these liberties, but under my leadership, West Virginia will remain vigilant against these threats.
The enemies of the Second Amendment may be determined and well-funded, but rest assured I will never back down from this fight.
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