“I deeply believe that guns will be a major issue in 2020,” Kleeb said. “I think that moms are terrified at the prospect that we are now having to decide if we’re going to buy our kids bulletproof backpacks.”

Democrats vying to oppose Bacon in next year’s election have already been highlighting the need to address gun violence.

“Every single one of our candidates is supportive of strong gun reforms,” Kleeb said. “It will be a central issue.”

Bacon expressed confidence that he can ultimately win the argument, in part because the public will see that those pushing for gun control would go too far.

“The activists here, they won’t be happy until only the police and the criminals have guns,” Bacon said. “Because that will be the net effect of their policy.”

Bacon cited cases in which universal background checks have been put up for public referendum in swing states and struggled to win approval.

He said he hears from many people who tell him the 2nd Amendment represents the most important right enshrined in the Constitution.

During a recent town hall, Bacon cited a friend who likes to use an AR-15 for target practice.