Giffords Endorses Attorney General Josh Shapiro for Governor of Pennsylvania

Washington DC —  Giffords PAC, the gun safety organization founded by former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords announced its endorsement of Attorney General Josh Shapiro for Governor of Pennsylvania. This endorsement comes as Giffords, in conjunction with Public Policy Polling, released new polling which found that more than half of Pennsylvanians see stronger gun laws as a top tier issue. Residents of the Commonwealth understand that strong leadership is needed to advance the fight against gun violence, and we need to elect a governor like Josh Shapiro who will take the action needed to bring about this type of real change.

On Monday, the Justice Department’s Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) also took a decisive step to stem the flow of dangerous ghost guns into communities across the country by finalizing a rule to amend its definitions of “frame or receiver” and what constitutes a firearm – meaning that any individual who sells these firearm parts will have to be licensed, will have to serialize these items and retain records, and will have to conduct a background check before every sale. Throughout his career, Attorney General Shapiro has worked in tandem with Giffords to stop the proliferation of these types of dangerous weapons and to keep them out of the hands of criminals, and we know that as governor, he will work hand in hand with President Biden and local law enforcement to keep Pennsylvanians safe.

Former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords: 

“Attorney General Josh Shapiro has advocated and delivered real results to prevent gun violence in Pennsylvania. He’s made the state safer by fighting to close dangerous ghost gun loopholes, and ensuring gun crimes are tracked across the state.

Pennsylvania needs a champion like Attorney General Shapiro as governor. Attorney General Shapiro realizes 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 Pennsylvania to prevent future tragedies. Giffords is proud to back Attorney General Shapiro, who has the courage to fight to end gun violence. ”

Attorney General Josh Shapiro:

“Throughout my career, I have worked with my colleagues in law enforcement and with local communities across our Commonwealth to fight gun violence and keep Pennsylvanians safe, taking thousands of illegal guns off our streets, shutting down gun trafficking rings, and working to close the ghost gun loophole. Every Pennsylvanian deserves to feel safe at home, at school, and in their community – and I know we can achieve that while upholding Pennsylvanians’ rights and traditions. Gabby Giffords has turned personal tragedy into a mission to make our communities safer, I’m proud to have Giffords’ support in my campaign, and as Governor, I look forward to working with them to protect our children and ensure our communities are safe from gun violence.”

Throughout his career, Josh Shapiro has stood up for the people of Pennsylvania, taken on the status quo, and delivered real results addressing and preventing further gun violence. A Pennsylvania native, Attorney General Shapiro watched his parents serve their community—and it was their example that inspired his journey in public service. Whether as a state representative, Montgomery County Commissioner, or attorney general, Shapiro has always been focused on making Pennsylvania communities safer. 

In office, Attorney General Shapiro partnered with local law enforcement to take thousands of illegal guns off Pennsylvania streets, fought to close the ghost gun loophole, and launched a Track and Trace Initiative to go after gun trafficking and illegal transfers. When extremist groups challenged Pennsylvania’s law prohibiting people under 21 from carrying concealed firearms during a state of emergency, Shapiro also defended this longstanding, modest, and commonsense measure. As governor, Shapiro will continue taking on the big fights to protect Pennsylvanians and deliver real results that save lives.

As rates of gun violence spike to record highs, electing gun safety governors has become absolutely essential. Attorney General Shapiro has always exemplified the kind of leadership and compassion that Pennsylvania needs in the governor’s mansion, and we know he won’t stop pushing for commonsense solutions until the people of his state no longer have to live in fear of senseless gun violence. Giffords PAC is proud to endorse Attorney General Josh Shapiro for Governor of Pennsylvania.

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