Giffords Congratulates Ralph Northam On Virginia Gubernatorial Victory

November 7, 2017 – Giffords, the gun violence prevention organization founded by former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords and retired NASA astronaut Captain Mark Kelly, issued the following statement congratulating Virginia gun safety champions on their elections:

Gabby Giffords, Co-Founder, Giffords:

“Tonight, Virginia voters made loud and clear that they are not afraid of the corporate gun lobby. They elected a governor with the courage to champion gun safety measures. Despite the millions of dollars spent by the gun lobby and misleading attacks from his opponent, Virginia voters proved tonight that the candidate with the courage to fight gun violence is the leader they want in office.

“Governor-elect Northam will stand up to the gun lobby’s dangerous agenda. He will push for solutions to the epidemic of gun violence that is tearing apart Virginia communities. We supported Governor-elect Northam for the same reason Virginia did. Because of his character and record as a gun safety advocate, and because he made his commitment to fighting gun violence a central part of his campaign.

“Just a few years ago, courageously campaigning on a gun safety platform in Virginia would have been considered politically risky. But tonight’svictory proves gun violence prevention is a winning issue. It is clearly at the forefront of voters’ minds.

“I am proud of Governor-elect Northam for standing up for gun safety over the course of his campaign.”