STATEMENT: Giffords Endorses Gun Safety Champion Michelle Lujan Grisham for Governor of New Mexico
Washington, D.C. – Today Giffords , the gun violence prevention organization founded by former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords and Navy Combat Veteran and retired NASA astronaut Captain Mark Kelly, endorsed Michelle Lujan Grisham for governor of New Mexico at a campaign rally in Albuquerque. The event featured local gun violence prevention activist Miranda Lovato, Albuquerque City Councilor Pat Davis, as well as Howie Morales, candidate for lieutenant governor.
In Congress and in New Mexico, Michelle Lujan Grisham has demonstrated a strong commitment to fighting for the passage of gun violence prevention policies that help keep guns out of the wrong hands, protect the rights of law-abiding Americans and make New Mexico a safer place to live.
Former Congresswoman Gabby Giffords, Founder, Giffords:
“In the past year more than 38,000 Americans in our country were killed by a gun but the devastating reality is that the gun lobby has made it harder to pass any laws to make our schools, streets, and communities safer. In New Mexico and across the country outrage over inaction awoke something in people: a reminder of what’s possible when we come together, raise our voices, and call for change. When we do that we can elect leaders with courage. Leaders like Michelle Lujan Grisham.
“Strong women get things done, and that is more than evident in Michelle. She has a proven track record of fighting for solutions that improve the lives of everyday New Mexicans. She is committed to protecting the rights of law-abiding citizens while taking action to stop the gun violence epidemic ravaging New Mexico.
“As Governor, Michelle will work to build support for commonsense measures that keep firearms out of the hands of individuals who are a danger to themselves or others. She’s vowed to strengthen the background check system, which will save countless lives. Michelle has what it takes to lead with courage, and Giffords is proud to stand with and endorse her as she fights to make New Mexican communities safer.”
The endorsement is part of Giffords’ broad effort to elect leaders at all levels of the ballot with the courage to take action on gun violence. Yesterday, Congresswoman Giffords and Capt. Kelly led a roundtable discussion with young local activists – including members of New Mexicans to Prevent Gun Violence, the local March for Our Lives, and Mayor Keller’s Youth Advisory Council – to discuss the impact of gun violence on young people and emphasize the importance of voting.
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Giffords is a nonprofit organization dedicated to saving lives from gun violence. Led by former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords and her husband, Navy combat veteran and retired NASA astronaut Captain Mark Kelly, Giffords inspires the courage of people from all walks of life to make America safer.