In an era when politicians, bureaucrats, and media elites work tirelessly to chip away at your right to keep and bear arms, the Arizona Citizens Defense League (AzCDL) stands as a formidable force, pushing back against unconstitutional overreach and defending the rights of law-abiding gun owners.
AzCDL doesn’t just talk about rights—it takes the fight to those in power. Whether it’s in the halls of the Arizona Legislature, in courtrooms challenging unlawful regulations, or in the public arena exposing anti-gun narratives, AzCDL speaks truth to power by holding lawmakers accountable, mobilizing grassroots action, and ensuring that Arizonans remain free to keep and bear arms.
Here’s how AzCDL does it—and why you should be paying attention.
1. Exposing and Defeating Anti-Gun Legislation
Every year, politicians—many of whom know little about firearms or self-defense—introduce bills designed to restrict your right to own, carry, and use firearms. These bills are often disguised as “common-sense” measures but, in reality, serve to disarm law-abiding citizens while doing nothing to stop violent criminals.
AzCDL Speaks Truth to Power by:
• Tracking every gun-related bill in the Arizona Legislature and exposing hidden anti-gun provisions.
• Calling out politicians who claim to support the right to keep and bear arms but vote against it at every opportunity.
• Mobilizing thousands of gun owners to flood lawmakers with emails, calls, and testimony against bad bills.
Example: When Arizona lawmakers tried to introduce a Red Flag law—allowing firearm confiscation without due process—AzCDL rallied thousands of gun owners to shut it down before it could gain traction. Without AzCDL’s watchdog efforts, anti-gun laws would pass under the radar, stripping Arizonans of their fundamental rights.
2. Defending Your Right to Keep and Bear Arms Against Government Overreach
The anti-firearm crowd has been on a crusade to redefine legal gun ownership, targeting FFL holders, and attempting to expand background checks without congressional approval.
AzCDL Speaks Truth to Power by:
• Challenging unconstitutional gun regulations in court and supporting legal efforts to roll them back.
• Pressuring Arizona lawmakers to pass Second Amendment Sanctuary laws, protecting residents from federal overreach.
• Providing resources to fight back against government harassment.
Example: When the ATF moved to ban pistol braces, AzCDL sounded the alarm, educated gun owners, and supported legal challenges to stop it.
Agencies and local municipalities should not be creating laws out of thin air—that’s the Legislature’s job. AzCDL ensures that Arizona does not bend the knee to unconstitutional mandates.
3. Holding Politicians Accountable
A common misconception is that all Republicans support the right to keep and bear arms. The truth is, many politicians—even those who claim to be pro-gun—will vote for restrictions if they think no one is watching.
AzCDL Speaks Truth to Power by:
• Exposing politicians who betray gun owners by voting for Red Flag laws, “universal” background checks, or waiting periods.
• Scoring every legislator based on their votes—not just their campaign promises.
• Supporting real pro-gun candidates and opposing weak-kneed politicians in primary elections.
Example: When so-called “conservative” lawmakers flirted with Red Flag laws, AzCDL put direct pressure on them, forcing them to back down or face voter backlash.
There’s no room for compromise when it comes to your constitutional rights.
4. Fighting for Constitutional Carry and Expanding Gun Rights
While many states are fighting to stop new gun restrictions, Arizona is one of the few states that continues to expand your freedoms. That’s not by accident—it’s because AzCDL has been leading the charge for years.
AzCDL Speaks Truth to Power by:
• Fighting for pro-gun laws like permitless carry, campus carry, and Stand Your Ground expansions.
• Pushing to remove restrictions on where and how law-abiding citizens can carry.
• Challenging local governments that try to create their own illegal gun bans.
Example: AzCDL was instrumental in making Arizona a Constitutional Carry state, ensuring that you don’t need government permission to carry a firearm for self-defense.
When other gun rights groups play defense, AzCDL plays offense—reclaiming freedom rather than just trying to stop the next bad law.
5. Mobilizing Gun Owners Through Grassroots Advocacy
Lobbyists can only do so much without an army of engaged, informed gun owners backing them up. That’s why AzCDL prioritizes grassroots activism, training everyday citizens to become effective advocates for the right to keep and bear arms.
AzCDL Speaks Truth to Power by:
• Hosting grassroots training sessions to teach gun owners how to engage with their lawmakers.
• Organizing massive call / e-mail campaigns to pressure politicians on key votes.
• Participating in events like the annual “Gun Rights Policy Conference” to keep gun owners engaged.
Example: At the GOA Freedom Festival and similar events, AzCDL members show up in force, making sure lawmakers know that gun owners are a political force to be reckoned with.
Gun owners in Arizona don’t wait for politicians to do the right thing—they demand it.
Why You Should Join AzCDL Today
If you’re serious about protecting the right to keep and bear arms in Arizona, there is no better organization to support than AzCDL. Unlike national gun rights groups that waste money on PR campaigns and fundraising gimmicks, AzCDL is laser-focused on legislative and legal battles that actually make a difference.
By joining AzCDL, you are:
• Supporting real lobbying efforts that protect gun owners’ rights in Arizona.
• Helping fund lawsuits against unconstitutional gun regulations.
• Gaining access to breaking updates on gun laws and related firearm news.
• Becoming part of a network of gun owners who refuse to be disarmed.
Ready to take action?
- Join AzCDL today at www.azcdl.org
- Sign up for our legislative alerts and stay informed
- Attend pro-gun events and help spread the word
Final Thoughts
The fight for the right to keep and bear arms is never over. Every legislative session brings new threats and, without organizations like AzCDL, anti-gun politicians would run unchecked. Speaking truth to power means refusing to accept gun control as “inevitable” and standing firm against those who want to take away your rights.
AzCDL isn’t just another gun rights group—it’s a movement. If you value your right to keep and bear arms, it’s time to stand with those who are actually fighting for it.
Because when the government comes for your rights, AzCDL is there to fight back.
Michael Infanzon, Epic Policy Group
AzCDL Chief Lobbyist