Giffords Endorses David Garcia for Governor and Slate of Gun-Safety Champions in Arizona
The endorsement comes as part of the Giffords #VoteCourage Campaign to elect gun reform candidates nationwide
October 11, 2018 — Giffords, the gun safety organization founded by former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords and Captain Mark Kelly, announced its endorsement of eight candidates for state office in Arizona.
Arizona has seen more than its fair share of gun violence. From national tragedies like the 2011 shooting in Tucson that claimed six lives, to the everyday violence that destroys families and rips communities apart, we must do more to protect Arizonans. That’s why it’s so important to elect gun violence prevention champions in the Grand Canyon state this November. We need a legislature that will stand up to the corporate gun lobby and fight for life-saving policies like stronger background checks and gun violence restraining orders.
Statement from former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, co-founder of Giffords:
“Arizonans tired of deadly mass shootings and the daily toll of our gun violence crisis are ready for a change. They want leaders who will acknowledge this deadly reality and stand up to a gun lobby that continues to use its cash and influence to try and stop state legislatures from passing laws to make our schools, streets, and communities safer. This year we have leaders who are stepping up and listening to the demand for action from all corners of our state. I’m proud to support David Garcia for governor because he’ll fight to keep us safe. I’m also proud to endorse a number of gun safety champions who will be crucial to passing laws to save lives. Please join your voice with mine and support these Arizona candidates who have the courage to act, and to lead.”
The newly-endorsed candidates include:
Statewide candidates
State House and State Senate
- Daniel Hernandez Jr. – House District 2
- Randy Friese – House District 9
- Kristen Engel & Domingo Degrazia – House District 10
- Sharon Girard – Senate District 8
- Steve Weichert – Senate District 17
- Doug Irving – Senate District 20
Giffords’ #VoteCourage campaign aims to elect gun safety advocates to Congress and defeat 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.
Learn More about the Giffords 2018 political program here.
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