Gun Safety Wins in Minnesota; Gabrielle Giffords Congratulates Tim Walz
November 6, 2018 – Former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords released the following statement congratulating Tim Walz for winning Minnesota’s gubernatorial election.
“This year, Tim Walz dared to imagine an America where gun violence wasn’t normal and people didn’t have to live in fear, wondering if today was the day they would have to duck under a desk or hide in a closet. Tim stood tall and boldly declared that the gun lobby is no longer welcome here, and their influence over our politicians is a thing of the past. Communities in Minnesota responded to this message of courage and hope by electing Tim to office. Today marks the dawn of a new era for gun safety in America.
“Tim made it clear that once elected, he would fight for laws proven to keep guns out of dangerous hands and save lives. He has been a champion for Minnesotans going back decades—as a veteran, educator, and public servant. On the campaign trail, he listened to the concerns of voters who don’t understand how we can live in a country where nearly 100 lives are lost to gunfire each day. Tim promised to bring what he heard to the halls of power, and now he will.
“Tim’s election is a testament to the strength of people who stood up and marched, who spoke up and said enough. Tim harnessed this new energy and pointed out that politicians had failed in their basic moral responsibility to keep us safe. His election is proof that we don’t have to tolerate inaction on gun safety in a country where guns cause daily heartbreak and horror. We congratulate Tim Walz on his victory tonight and look forward to working with him in the months to come as we fight to make our schools, streets, and communities safer.”
Tim Walz supports lifesaving policies like stronger background checks, gun violence restraining orders, and keeping guns out of the hands of dangerous individuals. Last month, former Congresswoman Giffords and Captain Mark Kelly campaigned in Minnesota as part of the Vote Save Lives tour. Walz’s opponent, Jeff Johnson, publicly stated that he would refuse to sign any law restricting gun access, representing a stark contrast with Walz.
News Coverage Highlights:
- Star Tribune: Gabby Giffords, Mark Kelly stump for gun control, Democrats in Minneapolis
- Star Tribune: Hard-fought Minnesota races draw national political heavyweights
- Minnesota Daily: Political candidates, activists discuss gun control
- Fox 9: U of M hosts anti-gun violence advocate Gabby Giffords for discussion, presentation
- Minnesota Public Radio: Both sides in gun debate gear up for election
Related Resources from Giffords:
- Memo: Giffords Elevates Gun Safety Champions; Takes on NRA in Congressional Battlegrounds
- Press Release: Gun Safety & The 2018 Midterms
- Fact Sheet: The State of Gun Violence in Minnesota
###