The Arizona Citizens Defense League (AzCDL) honored first-year Republican Representative Selina Bliss (R1) as its 2023 “Legislator of the Year” for her support and defense of Arizona’s 2nd Amendment at the organization’s 18th annual meeting this past Saturday. The grassroots pro-gun non-profit began in response to efforts to erode Arizona’s concealed-carry and private gun ownership rights, focusing on pressuring the Legislature to ensure the rights of citizens to self-defense.

In a statement released on 10/23/23, Rep. Bliss acknowledged, “I am immensely honored to be recognized by the Arizona Citizens Defense League. They are a terrific organization, dedicated to legislative action in support of the Second Amendment.” She continued, “Like them, I believe fervently in safeguarding our citizens’ right to bear arms – a cornerstone of our Constitution. As a state legislator, it is my privilege to work alongside fellow Arizonans in safeguarding and preserving the freedoms that define our great state, and to stand against any attempts to undermine those cherished liberties.”

The Tucson-based AzCDL touts success on a number of core 2nd Amendment issues, including restoring open and concealed carry rights, the passage of the Crime Victims Protection Act of 2012, restoring the “innocent until proven guilty” doctrine for self-defense situations, and the prohibition of the sale or transfer of seized firearms seized (see Globe story here: https://thearizonaglobe.com/local/maricopa/ag-mayes-joins-gop-reps-opposing-phoenix-shipment-of-guns-to-ukraine/), to name but a few.