Updated

Nevada Democratic congressional candidate John Oceguera says he's renouncing his membership in the National Rifle Association in the wake of a mass shooting in Southern California. 

Oceguera said he sent a letter to NRA CEO Wayne LaPierre on Thursday, saying he no longer wants to be associated with the group because it opposes legislation that would make it harder for terrorists, criminals and people with mental illness to get guns. 

The Nevada Assembly speaker describes himself as a law-abiding gun owner and lifetime NRA member who grew up in a family of hunters. He sponsored NRA-backed legislation in 2011 streamlining the concealed carry permitting process and barring extra gun restrictions in state parks. 

Oceguera is in a four-way Democratic primary to challenge Republican Rep. Cresent Hardy. The district leans Democratic.