In the heart of the San Joaquin Valley, we take pride in our heritage of self-reliance and respect for constitutional freedoms. From farmers and ranchers to small business owners and families who have called this region home for generations, the right to keep and bear arms is more than an abstract principle — it is a cornerstone of our way of life.

Nathan Magsig
Opinion

That is why the Fresno County Board of Supervisors recently adopted a Resolution in Support of the Second Amendment to the United States Constitution. While some may dismiss this as a symbolic act, I believe this resolution sends an essential message to Sacramento: That here in the Central Valley and across Fresno County, we stand firm in defending the rights of law-abiding citizens.

The Second Amendment is not just a line in an old document. It is a recognition of each individual’s inherent right to protect themselves, their families, and their property. Our resolution affirms that right, while also acknowledging the importance of responsible gun ownership and safe practices in our communities.

Critics often try to frame this debate as a choice between public safety and constitutional rights. But in reality, these values are not mutually exclusive. In fact, they go hand in hand. Responsible firearm ownership contributes to security, especially in rural areas where law enforcement response times can be significant. For many residents of the Central Valley stretching from Fresno County to Kern County and the Valley that feeds our agricultural economy — the ability to defend one’s home and livelihood is not theoretical, it is a practical necessity.

The resolution we passed also underscores our commitment to the rule of law. The California Constitution explicitly states that the United States Constitution is the supreme law of the land. When state or federal policymakers consider measures that threaten to erode Second Amendment protections, it is the duty of local governments to stand up and give voice to the concerns of the people we represent.

Let me be clear: supporting the Second Amendment does not mean ignoring the need for education, training, and enforcement to keep firearms out of the hands of criminals. But it does mean recognizing that millions of Californians — hunters, sports shooters, veterans, and everyday citizens — exercise their rights responsibly every day.

As your representative, I will continue to advocate for policies that respect individual liberties and uphold the constitutional principles that have guided this nation for nearly 250 years. The resolution we adopted is a statement of our values and a pledge to remain vigilant whenever those values are challenged.

In the Central Valley and beyond, the right to keep and bear arms is a right worth defending.

And in Fresno County, that defense begins with leadership willing to take a stand.

About the Author

Nathan Magsig is a Fresno County Supervisor, former mayor of Clovis, and is running for the 12th Senate District that covers Fresno, Tulare, and Kern Counties.  His family — wife Julie and their three children — reside in Clovis.