Giffords Backs Four Women Running in 2018 US House Primaries Who are Champions for Gun Safety
November 16, 2017— Today, Giffords, the gun violence prevention organization founded by former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords and her husband, combat veteran and retired NASA astronaut Captain Mark Kelly, announced four new endorsements in 2018 US House primary races for women running for Congress with the courage to stand up for gun safety.
In Arizona’s 2nd Congressional District, Giffords is endorsing Ann Kirkpatrick, a former prosecutor. During her career in public service, Kirkpatrick has sponsored legislation to stop domestic violence abusers from getting guns and end a ban on gun violence research at federal agencies.
In Minnesota’s 2nd Congressional District, Giffords is endorsing Angie Craig, who previously helped run a major Minnesota manufacturer. Craig has been a champion for gun safety, including calling on Congress to stop suspected terrorists on the no-fly list from buying guns and calling for an immediate ban on bump stocks that were used in the Las Vegas shooting.
In Nevada’s 3rd Congressional District, Giffords is endorsing Susie Lee, who has spent her career achieving real results for her community through organizations like the education nonprofit After-School All Stars, which she helped cofound. Most recently, Susie served as the Board Chair of Communities in Schools, a highly successful dropout prevention program that has grown rapidly under her leadership. Susie Lee is pushing for Congress to take up and pass measures like universal background checks that will help keep Nevadans more safe from gun violence.
In Texas’s 16th Congressional District, Giffords is endorsing, Veronica Escobar, a former county judge who cleaned up county government and also organized in her community. Veronica Escobar has spoken passionately about preventing gun violence and stemming the flow of guns into Mexico. She is seeking to come to Congress to help pass laws that will help make progress on the issue of gun safety.
Congresswoman Gabby Giffords, Founder, Giffords:
“Building a safer future for our families and our communities requires electing leaders with the courage to solve the gun violence epidemic that is damaging our country. As I’ve always said, strong women get things done. These are strong women. They come from a variety of backgrounds that give them the experience to understand the challenge we face. And they stand ready to protect the rights of law-abiding citizens while keeping guns out of the hands of violent felons, domestic abusers, and other dangerous people.
“As Members of Congress, they will take on the gun lobby in Washington D.C., and they will work to pass safer gun laws – like universal background checks – that people across America are demanding. These women have what it takes to lead and help shape a new agenda in Washington D.C. Giffords is proud to stand with and endorse them as they make our communities safer from the wreckage of gun violence.”
These endorsements come on the heels of Giffords’ Tuesday endorsement of three veterans running for Congress, including one woman, Mikie Sherrill in New Jersey’s 11th Congressional District. So far this year, Giffords has also endorsed two women candidates for governor – Stacey Abrams in Georgia and Kate Brown’s re-election in Oregon.
At all levels of government, Giffords backs candidates with the courage to reject the gun lobby, who are passionate about reducing gun violence, and who commit to taking action once elected. Giffords campaigns in key elections to elevate the issue of gun safety and builds gun violence prevention majorities from state houses all the way up to the United States Senate. Learn more about our 2017 endorsements here.
