Giffords Endorses Stacey Abrams for Governor of Georgia
Washington DC — Giffords PAC, the gun safety organization founded by former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords announced its endorsement of Stacey Abrams for Governor of Georgia. Abrams has been a longtime supporter of commonsense gun safety laws and an invaluable partner to Giffords throughout her years in public service. In 2014, Abrams became the inaugural winner of the Gabrielle Giffords Rising Star Award—a prize given by Emily’s List in celebration of an extraordinary woman serving in state or local office. In 2021, Giffords Law Center also honored Stacey Abrams with the Courageous Leadership Award at a virtual event.
The need for a strong gun safety champion in the Georgia governor’s mansion couldn’t be more pressing. Yesterday, Georgia Governor Brian Kemp signed dangerous permitless carry legislation that will allow people who haven’t undergone any training or passed a background check to carry concealed loaded handguns in public places. The governor signed this legislation despite the fact that in January, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution published a poll that showed “nearly 70% of poll respondents said they do not believe adults in Georgia should be allowed to carry concealed handguns in public without first getting a license.” With the passage of this legislation, Georgia is now part of a worrying trend that’s seen a rise in states passing permitless carry over the past few years.
Former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords:
“My friend Stacey Abrams is a fighter, and her success as both a Georgia state representative and in organizing with Fair Fight Action has proven that she is the perfect candidate for governor. Stacey has made it clear that once elected, she would fight for lifesaving laws proven to keep guns out of dangerous hands.
Georgia needs a champion like Stacey as governor. As someone who grew up in a family with firearms, Stacey is committed to protecting the rights of law-abiding citizens while taking action to stop the gun violence epidemic. She stands tall and boldly declares that the gun lobby is no longer welcome in her state, and their influence over our politicians must be a thing of the past. We are proud to endorse Stacey Abrams for governor.”
Stacey Abrams:
“I am proud to receive the endorsement of Giffords PAC. As governor, I will always prioritize the safety of Georgians, not political gimmicks that appease special interests. Right now, top Georgia Republicans are more focused on putting more guns on the street to win an election than keeping our communities safe. We can and must do more to keep Georgians safe by taking steps to mitigate gun violence in our state. As House Democratic Leader, I fought against reckless gun legislation that would endanger our communities, and as governor, I am committed to implementing common-sense solutions to gun violence that will make Georgia a safer state for everyone to live and thrive.”
Stacey Abrams grew up in Mississippi, where she learned the importance of gun safety and responsible gun ownership from her father and great-grandmother. She was elected to the Georgia House of Representatives in 2007 and became House Democratic leader in 2010, making her the first woman to lead either party in the state legislature and the first Black Georgian to serve as leader in the state House. In 2018, she became the first Black woman in United States history to be a major party nominee for governor.
Throughout her career in public service, Abrams has made gun violence prevention a top priority, becoming a leader in the fight against egregious gun laws. As House Democratic leader, she fought against reckless “campus carry” legislation and a bill that would have required guns used to commit crimes to go back onto the street. Abrams has also made it very clear that she is an ardent opponent of permitless carry legislation. Meanwhile, her radical opponent, Governor Brian Kemp, supported this dangerous policy, putting millions of Georgians at a higher risk of becoming victims of senseless violence.
Governors hold a special role in the fight against gun violence, and electing strong gun safety leaders to office has never been more important. As governor, Stacey Abrams will be committed to implementing the commonsense, popular solutions to gun violence that will make the families and communities throughout Georgia safer. Giffords PAC is proud to endorse Stacey Abrams for governor.
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