Rachel Malone was a one-woman force advancing Second Amendment rights and the cause of constitutional carry in the Lone Star State when TTAG first met her last year. Through her Texas Firearms Freedom advocacy operation — the very definition of grassroots activism — she moved the gun rights ball forward.
She did that so effectively, in fact, that she was noticed by the Republican Party of Texas. They snapped her up and made her Operations Director to take advantage of her energy and commitment.
That’s where she was for the last year. Notice use of the past tense.
In her role as a party delegate, she addressed a subcommittee at the state party convention last month. In that meeting, Malone expressed reservations about some of the proposals in Governor Greg Abbott’s post-Santa Fe school safety plan. She opposes enacting a “red flag” law and making changes to the state’s current firearms storage law.
She was summarily fired the next day.
That experience hasn’t changed her commitment to constitutional carry and it doesn’t mean she can’t still be extremely effective in advancing the cause of gun rights. So kudos to Gun Owners of America for recognizing that fact and bringing Rachel on to continue doing just that.
Here’s their press release announcing the hire:
Gun Owners of America Hires Staffer in Austin
Springfield, VA – Gun Owners of America (GOA) announces today the hiring of Rachel Malone as Texas Director. This signifies a new focus on GOA’s advocacy within the Texas State Legislature.
Texas is a key state for GOA’s work to advance gun freedoms. Texas is known for its rich heritage of gun owners, and it deserves strong advocacy for gun rights. Knowing this, Gun Owners of America is delighted to establish a permanent presence within Texas to preserve and defend Texans’ right to keep and bear arms.
Erich Pratt, Executive Director for Gun Owners of America, stated: “Texas is facing a battle, and GOA intends to be on the forefront. As the no-compromise gun lobby, GOA looks forward to working with grassroots activists all across Texas for victories in their state.
“I’m thrilled that Rachel Malone is serving as Texas Director for GOA. She has a strong background of fighting for firearms freedom, connecting with grassroots, and advocating within the Texas Legislature. I am confident in her ability to represent Texas gun owners in protecting the essential freedom of the right to keep and bear arms.”