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Giffords Endorses Andrew Gillum for Governor in Florida

 The endorsement comes as part of the Giffords #VoteCourage Campaign to elect gun reform candidates nationwide 

October 24, 2018 — Giffords, the gun safety organization founded by former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords and Captain Mark Kelly, announced its endorsement of Andrew Gillum for governor in Florida. 

As Mayor of Florida’s capital city, Andrew Gillum has witnessed the deadly cost of the state’s weak firearm laws over the past several years, which has made him a vocal supporter of strengthening Florida’s gun laws. He knows that we can do more to protect Florida families while respecting the Second Amendment. Andrew will fight for expanding background checks and funding gun violence intervention programs in impacted communities while opposing efforts to arm teachers. As Floridians from all walks of life rise up to demand action on the gun violence crisis, Andrew has the courage to lead them towards a better, safer future.

Statement from former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, co-founder of Giffords:

“America experienced three of the deadliest mass shootings in modern history over one five month span.. Over 38,000 people in our country were killed by a gun in 2016. Florida has not been immune to this deadly crisis—somebody is killed by a gun in the state every three hours. Andrew understands the toll this epidemic takes on Florida communities.

“We are endorsing Andrew today because he acknowledges the heartbreak gun violence causes in his state, and he is working to stop it. His leadership will be critical for our next victories in Florida to prevent future tragedies. Giffords is proud to back Andrew Gillum, who has the courage to stand up to the corporate gun lobby.”

The Giffords #VoteCourage campaign aims to elect gun safety advocates to local, state, and federal office and defeat politicians who have historically worked against gun reform, or done nothing at all to prevent gun violence.

 Learn More about the Giffords 2018 political program here. 

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