Michael Cargill is no stranger to being politically active. He is a business owner and holds leadership positions in a number of political organizations. However, what Cargill is most known for is his fierce advocacy for the right of citizens to keep and bear arms.
Born in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Cargill served 12 years in the U.S. Army where he was awarded four Army Commendation medals, eight Army Achievement medals, and four Army Good Conduct medals. He also qualified as an expert marksman and is airborne-qualified as a parachutist.
After being honorably discharged from the Army, Cargill made his way to Texas where he was employed in telecommunications and started a freight company. In 2011, he decided to start a new business: Central Texas Gun Works.
The owner and operator of one of the most popular gun stores in Austin, Cargill not only sells guns and ammunition but also conducts License To Carry, Concealed Carry, and other firearm proficiency and safety classes.
With his expertise on the issue of firearms, Cargill has been one of Texas’ strongest and most knowledgeable citizen activists on gun rights, helping lead efforts to pass the state’s open carry and concealed carry on campus laws and serving as a resource for legislators.
Cargill says he was inspired to become politically active by his grandmother who, at 70 years old, decided she wanted to go back to college, but was physically and sexually assaulted on her way to class.
After that horrific event, Cargill sprang into action, “I wanted to make sure that all members of my family knew their Second Amendment rights and knew how to exercise them.”
Through his involvement, he is doing all he can to defend and expand the right to self-defend. Cargill declares, “If we protect the Second Amendment, we are able to protect the rest of our constitutional rights.”
In spite of his busy schedule, Cargill also serves in leadership positions of multiple GOP groups across the state. He also somehow still finds time to volunteer and speak to “Whoever invites me!” Cargill has spoken at a number of local churches as well as multiple college campuses, and he also volunteers for the Boy Scouts. In the rare event that he’s not busy, Cargill loves to read; specifically, he stays up to date on technology and cybersecurity.
For those who are looking to get involved in politics but don’t know where to start, Cargill has some advice:
“Know who your elected officials are, hold them accountable, and visit and let them know your views and what you stand for.”
