Why I donate to BFA‑PAC

I donate to Buckeye Firearms Association’s Political Action Committee (BFA‑PAC) because it plays a crucial role in protecting Second Amendment rights in Ohio and advancing a pro‑gun agenda year after year. BFA‑PAC fills a unique need that makes Buckeye Firearms Association (BFA) far more effective.

BFA is a nonprofit advocacy organization that works on gun owners' behalf at the Statehouse, educating and lobbying our state representatives, senators, and the governor about priorities. BFA is the respected gun‑rights voice in Ohio and has been the tip of the spear for every pro‑gun law passed in our state.

A major reason for that success is BFA‑PAC. Both Ohio and federal law prevent nonprofit organizations from donating money to political candidates. That means BFA cannot financially support pro‑gun legislators. Only individuals and PACs are permitted to do that.

Related: Support BFA-endorsed candidates with a donation to our Political Action Committee

BFA‑PAC goes further by vetting and grading legislators so that voters can tell the true supporters from the pretenders and from outright opponents. BFA‑PAC then endorses legitimate pro-gun candidates. This process has earned BFA and Ohio’s 4 million gun owners real respect. Grades, endorsements, and contributions together show elected officials that BFA-PAC is organized, effective, and paying attention. And elected leaders remember that when voting on pro‑gun legislation.

To be clear, BFA‑PAC is not a “big money” operation like the ones you hear about in national news. It is a modest, lean effort that ensures gun‑rights advocates remain visible and influential to the legislators who cast votes. No salaries are paid out of PAC funds; your contribution goes directly to advancing BFA's Second Amendment mission.

Recently, BFA‑PAC launched a new fundraiser because its PAC funds need to be replenished. Donations of any size are appreciated. But the centerpiece is a commemorative Ohio pin stamped with “2A." Anyone who donates $200 or more receives this badge of honor.

When I heard about the idea, I immediately committed. I received my pin Aug. 22 at BFA’s inaugural Patriot Fest. Yes, $200 is a significant contribution, but for me, it was a no‑brainer. I’ve seen firsthand how effective BFA and BFA‑PAC are.

For six years, I served as BFA’s legislative affairs director. I had the privilege of meeting with Ohio’s leaders on your behalf, representing our Second Amendment rights. State representatives, senators, and statewide officials, including candidates for governor, actively seek BFA-PAC grades, endorsements, and financial support. That visibility opens doors for meaningful conversations about pro‑gun priorities, and those conversations have made a real difference in passing legislation.

Today, I volunteer for both BFA and BFA‑PAC. Knowing how essential the PAC is to advancing a pro-gun agenda, I didn’t hesitate to contribute, and I proudly wear my BFA 2A pin (see photo). Showing those colors matters. It sparks conversations about BFA, the PAC, and, most importantly, how others can help defend the Second Amendment.

I invite everyone who supports Buckeye Firearms Association and our gun rights to contribute to BFA‑PAC. I’d love to see all of us wearing that pin someday. But pin or no pin, know this: Your donation to BFA‑PAC is vital to protecting our constitutional rights and passing pro‑gun legislation.

Please help BFA-PAC so that it can continue to work for all of us.

Rob Sexton is the former Buckeye Firearms Association legislative affairs director and current volunteer.

Click here to donate to BFA-PAC.