Giffords Endorses Governor Andrew Cuomo for Reelection in New York
The endorsement comes as part of Giffords’ #VoteCourage Campaign to elect gun reform candidates nationwide
August 16, 2018 — Giffords, the gun safety organization founded by former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords and Captain Mark Kelly, announced its endorsement of Governor Andrew Cuomo for reelection in New York.
Governor Andrew Cuomo has shown the courage to stand up to the gun lobby to fight for gun safety laws that keep New York families safe. After the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School, Governor Cuomo led New York State to pass the SAFE Act, comprehensive legislation that keeps guns out of the hands of dangerous individuals by closing the private sale loophole, banning high-capacity magazines and assault weapons, and toughening criminal penalties for illegal gun use. This year, Governor Cuomo took a series of actions to further strengthen the state’s gun safety laws and passed new legislation to remove firearms from domestic abusers, joined with other states to establish the “States for Gun Safety” coalition to combat the gun violence epidemic in the face of continued federal inaction, and issued a cease and desist order to prevent the distribution of dangerous 3D gun plans. Additionally, he has been a steadfast supporter of robust funding for community-based programs that are proven to reduce urban gun violence. For his actions, Governor Cuomo has drawn the ire of the NRA, which recently filed a lawsuit alleging he has cost the organization tens of millions of dollars.
“Andrew Cuomo has never backed down from doing everything he can to protect New Yorkers from gun violence,” said former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, co-founder of Giffords. “He took on the gun lobby, refused to stay silent on New York’s need to address the gun violence crisis, and supported the passage of life-saving legislation in the state legislature. We are proud to endorse Governor Cuomo for reelection because he is a gun safety champion with the courage to lead. We look forward to continuing our work with Governor Cuomo as we push for the solutions that will keep New York schools, streets, churches, and neighborhoods safe.”
Governor Cuomo said, “In 2013, New York passed the most comprehensive gun safety legislation in the nation – the SAFE Act – and did what Washington is still trying to do five years later. Enough is enough. This isn’t about politics it’s about the people of this state. While our federal leaders sit on their hands, New York State is continuing to lead–fighting to pass the Red Flag Bill, increase waiting periods, and raise the age to buy a gun. Gabby and Mark are leading the charge to combat gun violence and they are an inspiration to us all as we work to defeat the NRA’s insidious agenda. I’m thankful for their support.”
Giffords’ #VoteCourage campaign is aimed at electing gun safety advocates to Congress and defeating politicians who have historically worked against gun reform, or done nothing at all to prevent gun violence. The political program targets incumbents in mostly suburban districts and uses a mixture of TV and digital advertising, on-the-ground organizing, and a voter registration push to create momentum for meaningful progress on gun safety.
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