Jim Samuel joins BFA as new Legislative Affairs Director

Buckeye Firearms Association is pleased to announce Jim Samuel as our new Legislative Affairs Director.

Samuel is a policy professional, with more than 30 years of experience working with legislators and leaders at the Ohio Statehouse, serving two Ohio governors and overseeing policy development of seven cabinet agencies.

He is also a graduate of the Ohio State University, has an Honorable Discharge from the USAF, and currently serves as a member of the Ohio Wildlife Council, a Trustee of the Nature Conservancy - Ohio, and an elected member of the Franklin County Republican Central Committee.

As a staunch Second Amendment advocate, longtime BFA member, and an active sportsman and hunter, Samuel brings to BFA his passion for the traditions and values that have made America a great nation.

Taking over for Rob Sexton, who recently accepted a position with Sportsmen's Alliance, Samuel said he is excited to have the opportunity to represent Ohio's 4 million gun owners.

"It's an honor to be selected as Legislative Affairs Director for the Buckeye Firearms Association, and I'm excited to represent and defend our Second Amendment rights at the Ohio Statehouse," Samuel said. "My support for the Second Amendment began at a young age, attending NRA-sponsored shooting events at the YMCA in Euclid, Ohio. Since then, I've been actively involved in numerous political campaigns and 2A advocacy efforts at the Statehouse.

"In my personal life, I'm a passionate hunter and shooting sports advocate who takes great pride in introducing young people and nontraditional shooters to their first experience on a sporting clays range."

Samuel comes onboard at a crucial moment, with the 2026 elections approaching and 19 pro-gun bills introduced thus far at the halfway point of the 136th General Assembly. BFA looks forward to another productive year on behalf of Ohio's many gun owners and sportsmen.