Giffords Backs Senate Champions in the Fight for Gun Safety

Washington DC—Giffords PAC, the gun violence prevention organization founded by former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, endorsed four gun safety champions in their bids for re-election to the US Senate. These senators are dedicated to gun safety, championing legislation that protects American families and communities. They represent states from across the country but are united in their commitment to end gun violence. While the House has made tremendous progress, we need these leaders to return to Washington with a gun safety majority in the Senate to finally pass universal background checks into law. 

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

“Passing historic gun safety legislation requires a Senate majority dedicated to taking action. These tested champions are not afraid to stand up to the gun lobby and fight  for what is best for their constituents and for communities across the country. This November we must send these leaders back to Washington to pass the strong gun safety laws that we know will save lives. I’m proud to stand with them in their re-election efforts and look forward to working with them as part of a gun safety majority Senate.” 

Ed Markey (MA)

Senator Ed Markey has dedicated his career to fighting for others, starting when he joined the United States Military Reserves in 1968. He was elected to the Massachusetts State House in 1973, where he remained for three years. Markey then represented Massachusetts’s Fifth and Seventh US Congressional Districts from 1976 until 2013, when he ran for the US Senate. In his very first Senate floor speech, Senator Markey called for gun safety legislation, a testament to his enduring commitment to the issue. Senator Markey sponsored legislation to ban the online posting of blueprints for 3D-printed guns and cosponsored measures to implement universal background checks, enact extreme risk protection laws, ban weapons of war, invest in violence intervention programs, and repeal immunity for firearm manufacturers. Senator Markey recognizes gun violence as a public health crisis and has repeatedly led his caucus in calling for funding for gun violence research. Senator Ed Markey will continue taking a firm stand to fight for comprehensive gun safety legislation that ensures the safety of all Americans. 

Jeff Merkley (OR)

Senator Jeff Merkley’s public service career began over 20 years ago when he was elected to the Oregon House of Representatives, where he went on to serve as speaker. In 2008, Merkley successfully ran his first campaign for the US Senate. Senator Merkley has been a longtime champion of gun violence prevention efforts and has co-sponsored a number of integral gun safety measures, including the Background Check Expansion Act, the Assault Weapons Ban of 2019, and the Protecting Domestic Violence and Stalking Victims Act of 2019. Additionally, Senator Merkley has supported efforts to ban the distribution of files used to produce 3D-printed firearms. Senator Jeff Merkley is a gun safety leader and will continue to protect Oregon when he is re-elected to the US Senate. 

Jack Reed (RI)

Senator Jack Reed has dedicated his entire life to public service. Reed served as an active duty soldier teaching at his alma mater, West Point, and later earned his law degree at Harvard while serving in the Reserves. Reed was first elected to the Rhode Island State Senate in 1984, then to the US House of Representatives in 1990. Jack Reed has represented Rhode Island in the US Senate since 1997. Senator Reed’s time in the military instilled in him the importance of gun safety. Despite Mitch McConnell’s efforts to block progress on gun safety, Senator Reed has championed legislation to expand background checks, close the boyfriend and stalker loopholes, ban large-capacity magazines, and ban the online posting of files for 3D-printed guns. Throughout his lifetime of dedicated service, Senator Jack Reed has been a relentless gun safety advocate. 

Mark Warner (VA)

Senator Mark Warner has represented Virginia in the US Senate since 2009, before which he served as Virginia’s governor for six years. Warner was the first in his family to graduate from college. While earning his undergraduate degree at George Washington University, Warner worked on Capitol Hill to pay his tuition. Before his career as a public official, Warner co-founded the telecommunications company Nextel. Representing a state with a strong gun culture, Senator Warner understands the importance of maintaining Second Amendment rights while keeping Americans safe from all too common acts of gun violence. During Senator Warner’s tenure, he has co-sponsored gun safety legislation like the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act and the Assault Weapons Ban. He supports universal background checks and has introduced federal legislation that mirrors the newly passed gun safety laws in his state. Senator Mark Warner’s pragmatic approach makes him a crucial voice for gun safety in the US Senate.

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