MADERA, CA – On Tuesday, October 22, 2025, the Madera County Board of Supervisors adopted a resolution declaring Madera County a Second Amendment Sanctuary County with a 4-0 vote, one abstention.
District 5 Supervisor, Bobby MaCaulay, was the lone abstention. Today he made the following public statement, posted to Facebook:
“On Tuesday I decided to abstain from voting on an item I felt should not have been under consideration by our board. I have heard loud and clear that people are upset about this decision so, I would like to provide some clarity for those that have not been able to listen to my comments shared during the meeting.
I would not support Madera County creating stricter gun laws. If a colleague of mine were to bring a letter of opposition to “bad gun laws” before the board of supervisors, I would likely join them in in voting to formally oppose the bill. Traditionally, this is how counties actively engage with state/federal legislatures around gun laws. They also form coalitions to change laws or create new laws, like our DA’s efforts with her association on Prop 36. I supported her and would likely support my colleagues with reform efforts as well. In my six years at Madera County, I don’t believe the board has ever taken a formal stance on gun laws, certainly not over the past legislative session. Perhaps the board should and, perhaps the board will during the state’s next legislative session. This is policy.
With all that said, I don’t believe this resolution accomplished anything for the county. It changes nothing and turns the board chambers into a circus with media looking for a story. A story they can sell because it creates controversy. It also creates confusion around what does it mean to be a second amendment sanctuary county. I have seen varying interpretations of what it means on social media, but I am sure they are just kidding. Lastly, in my experience it is rarely a good idea to flip the state the bird. It’s not working for California with DC and, it won’t work for Madera with Sacramento. This is politics and I don’t believe it’s good for County operations or the people of Madera County.
For me this abstention was not about the second amendment any more than my vote on the prop 50 resolution was about prop 50. This is about my belief that we should keep partisan politics, and politics in general, out of the Madera County board chambers. Those that disagree with my stance here should consider how they might think if the shoe were on the other foot. What would be your stance if the board were reviewing a “symbolic” resolution that you disagreed with or if the board were taking positions on social issues that you disagree with? The board chambers is a place for the county to conduct purposeful county business, and these items set a bad precedent.
I am very happy to fulfill my duty to engage in good policy over the next 14 months but, I am thankful to not be gearing up for election like my colleagues. I don’t have to “go along with it” as was suggested and can take a principled stance around my belief that the County Board should remain non-partisan and focus on providing residents with essential services. I am proud that Madera County has in part steered away from partisan politics and believe we have been able to accomplish a great deal as a result. I will remain focused on working to reduce the risk of wildfire, staffing more fire stations, improving our road systems, improving our economic vitality and, among other things, supporting my colleagues with good policy efforts.”
The Second Amendment to the United States Constitution protects the right of the people to keep and bear arms. Across the nation, counties have adopted “Second Amendment Sanctuary” resolutions to reaffirm their commitment to this fundamental right.
The resolution declares Madera County a Second Amendment Sanctuary, symbolizing the County’s support for the constitutional rights of lawful gun owners and aligning Madera with other counties throughout California and the nation that have taken similar action.
Supervisor Jordan Wamhoff, who represents District 1, noted that recent actions by the Governor and State Legislature have placed increasing restrictions on responsible, law-abiding gun owners.
“The Governor’s sweeping gun control legislation targets law-abiding citizens instead of cracking down on criminal behavior,” said Supervisor Wamhoff. “This resolution sends a clear message that Madera County stands with the Constitution, the Second Amendment, and the rights of responsible gun owners.”
The resolution does not change existing laws or enforcement practices but serves as a symbolic affirmation of Madera County’s support for the Second Amendment and the freedoms it guarantees.
The Second Amendment to the United States Constitution protects the right of the people to keep and bear arms. Across the nation, counties have adopted “Second Amendment Sanctuary” resolutions to reaffirm their commitment to this fundamental right.
The resolution comes in response to the Governor’s continued push for stricter gun control measures, which have made it increasingly difficult for Californians to legally own and use firearms to protect themselves.
The resolution serves as an affirmation of Madera County’s support for the Second Amendment and the freedoms it guarantees and encourages strict adherence by Madera County’s law enforcement agencies to protect and preserve the individual’s ability to defend themselves.
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It is encouraging to see this resolution pass, and it sets a powerful precedent.
If county Boards of Supervisors in California can pass sanctuary resolutions—actively limiting cooperation with ICE, prohibiting the use of local resources for immigration enforcement, and shielding those who have violated federal immigration law—then it is absolutely time for law-abiding citizens to pass resolutions of our own.
We must resolve to honor and protect the supreme law of our land: the Second Amendment to the United States Constitution.
It clearly states: “A well-regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.” This enshrines our individual right to own and carry firearms, a foundational liberty essential for self-defense, deterring tyranny, and preserving the security of our nation.
Guns are not the problem. The profound cultural decay we have witnessed over the past fifty years is the problem. Now, more than ever, it is the duty of every responsible citizen to own a firearm to defend themselves, their families, and their property from the criminals, thieves, and the very politicians who enable this lawlessness by eroding respect for law and order.