Gun Safety Wins in New Jersey; Gabrielle Giffords Congratulates Mikie Sherrill

November 6, 2018

November 6, 2018 – Former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords released the following statement congratulating Mikie Sherrill for winning election in New Jersey’s 11th Congressional District.

“This year, Mikie Sherrill 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. Mikie 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 New Jersey responded to this message of courage and hope by electing Mikie to office. Today marks the dawn of a new era for gun safety in America. “Mikie made it clear that once elected, she would fight for laws proven to keep guns out of dangerous hands and save lives. Her experience serving the United States in the Navy has driven her to seek solutions that will help the people she represents. On the campaign trail, she 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. Mikie promised to bring what she heard to the halls of power, and now she will. “Mikie’s election is a testament to the strength of people who stood up and marched, who spoke up and said enough. Mikie harnessed this new energy and pointed out that politicians had failed in their basic moral responsibility to keep us safe. Her 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 Mikie Sherrill on her victory tonight and look forward to working with her in the months to come as we fight to make our schools, streets, and communities safer.”

Sherrill is an advocate for background checks on all gun sales, a federal assault weapons ban, and policies that help keep guns out of the hands of domestic abusers while respecting the rights of law-abiding gun owners. Giffords campaigned with Sherrill in her home district, including a stop this summer in partnership with VoteVets as part of a nationwide tour to support military veteran candidates who prioritize gun safety. In Congress, Sherrill has committed to taking action to pass critical gun safety measures to protect communities in New Jersey and across the country.

News Coverage Highlights:

Wall Street Journal: Will New Jersey Decide GOP Majority?
Northjersey.com: Midterm 2018: Sherrill, Webber debate gets heated amid NJ race that could flip House
Wall Street Journal: Four States Could Swing House
InsiderNJ: Giffords and Astronaut Husband Land at Sherrill’s Side in CD11
Northjersey.com: Midterm 2018: Mikie Sherrill, Gabrielle Giffords event highlights gun rights in campaigns
NJTV: 11th Congressional District race heats up

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 New Jersey

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