For a state that prides itself on tradition, freedom, and common sense, North Carolina just took a hard turn back toward bureaucratic control. On June 20, Democrat Gov. Josh Stein did what gun-control activists were praying for—he vetoed a constitutional carry bill that would’ve finally brought North Carolina in line with the 29 other states that have restored citizens’ right to bear arms without needing a government permission slip.
The bill would have allowed law-abiding adults 18 and older to carry a concealed handgun without having to beg for a permit, attend a state-mandated training course, or fork over a fee to exercise what the Constitution already guarantees. It was a chance for North Carolina to join the growing wave of constitutional carry states—and it came to a screeching halt at Stein’s desk.
In a statement laced with the usual fear-based talking points, Stein claimed the bill would make the state “less safe” and framed his veto as a win for “responsible gun ownership.”
“The bill eliminates training requirements associated with concealed carry permits and reduces the age to carry a concealed weapon from 21 to 18 years old,” Stein said. “Authorizing teenagers to carry a concealed weapon with no training whatsoever is dangerous.”
Of course, this line of argument ignores the fact that 18-year-olds are already trusted to vote, join the military, and sign contracts. But apparently, in the governor’s view, they’re too irresponsible to be trusted with their own safety unless the state gives them permission first.
What’s more, Stein’s veto shows a deep mistrust of law-abiding gun owners, who time and again have proven to be overwhelmingly responsible. Instead, he’s siding with groups like Moms Demand Action—organizations more focused on optics and emotional rhetoric than constitutional rights.
“Allowing people to carry hidden, loaded guns in public without a permit or training puts lives at risk,” said Shannon Klug, a volunteer with the group. She added that North Carolinians should be able to shop or walk in the park “without the added fear of unvetted, concealed weapons around them.”
But that fear seems misplaced. The bill didn’t remove background checks for purchasing a firearm. It simply said you don’t need a separate government permission slip to carry a gun you already legally own. This isn’t about “unvetted” people—it’s about law-abiding citizens being able to protect themselves without bureaucratic red tape.
Needless to say, Republican lawmakers who backed the bill were not pleased.
“Law-abiding North Carolinians shouldn’t have to jump through hoops to exercise their Second Amendment rights effectively,” said Senate Leader Phil Berger. “It’s past time for us to join the majority of states that recognize Constitutional Carry. I look forward to the Senate overriding Gov. Stein’s veto.”
But that’s easier said than done. To override a veto in North Carolina, both chambers must reach a three-fifths majority. In the Senate, Republicans have the exact 30 votes needed—but in the House, they’re one short with 71 out of the necessary 72 votes.
Even more concerning? When the bill passed the House on June 11, only 59 lawmakers voted in favor. Two Republicans—Rep. Ted Davis and Rep. William Brisson—actually voted against constitutional carry. Ten others, for reasons unclear, didn’t vote at all. That’s a far cry from the united front needed to push this across the finish line.
In the Senate, Republicans held the line with a 26-18 vote—all GOP members in favor, all Democrats opposed. But six senators didn’t vote, a reminder that getting every lawmaker to show up when it counts isn’t always a guarantee.
So where does that leave things?
There’s still a narrow path to override the veto, but it’s steep. At least one Democrat in each chamber would need to break ranks and side with the Constitution over party loyalty. And given today’s hyper-partisan climate, that’s a tall order.
Still, supporters of constitutional carry shouldn’t lose heart. Public opinion is shifting, and with every overstep like this one, anti-gun politicians make it more obvious who really trusts the citizens—and who just wants to control them.
One thing’s for sure: this fight isn’t over. It’s just heading into the next round.
