Representative Mike Thompson has always put service to his country first. Prior to his election to the US House, Representative Thompson served his country in the US Army, leading a platoon with the 173rd Airborne Brigade and receiving a Purple Heart for wounds he sustained in Vietnam. He later gained crucial policy experience in the California State Senate and continues to serve as one of the nation’s foremost legislators to this day. 

As a lifelong hunter and responsible gun owner, Representative Thompson has consistently proven that passing gun safety laws and protecting the constitutional rights of Americans goes hand in hand. In Congress, he has served as chairman of the House Gun Violence Prevention Task Force since its inception and consistently introduced the Bipartisan Background Checks Act—which would expand background checks to all gun sales and transfers and ensure that individuals who commit domestic abuse and crimes are unable to get their hands on firearms. Throughout his tenure, Representative Thompson has also worked closely with the Biden administration to crack down on the proliferation of ghost guns and to increase funding for important community violence intervention programs. Yet, Representative Thompson’s work on this issue has not just been confined to the halls of Capitol Hill—in 2018, he combined his passion for biking and the outdoors to launch Rock the Ride, a benefit bike ride and walk that raises funds for national and local nonprofit organizations working to end gun violence. 

It’s clear that the fight to end gun violence as we know it simply wouldn’t be possible without the leadership of Representative Mike Thompson. However, there is still so much progress to be made on this issue, and Californians must reelect him to office this fall. We know he’ll continue to help pave the way for a safer future for the next generation.

We are proud to endorse Mike Thompson for the US House of Representatives.