Giffords Announces Historic $10 Million Investment to Mobilize Gun Violence Prevention Voters, Elect Candidates with the Courage to Act
New Political Programs in Key States Will Support Candidates with the Courage to Act on Gun Safety
Washington, DC — Today, Giffords, the gun violence prevention organization led by former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, announced a historic $10 million investment to mobilize gun violence prevention voters and support candidates with the courage to act to end gun violence in key states. Through this investment, Giffords will engage voters in states like Texas, Florida, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Colorado in support of leaders at every level—in local, state, and federal elections—who have the courage to stand up for safer communities. Congress recently passed the first gun safety legislation in 30 years. Giffords is committed to supporting gun safety champions and holding those who opposed the legislation accountable.
Former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords:
“We need to elect candidates across the country who have the courage to act to keep their communities safe from gun violence. Today, we are announcing our plan to support them in 2022 and beyond. Every day, too many of our neighbors, friends, and loved ones lose their lives to senseless gun violence. This historic investment is designed to keep communities safe by giving more gun violence prevention advocates a seat at the table in city commission meetings, state legislatures, and the halls of Congress.”
Giffords Executive Director Peter Ambler:
“At every level of government, we need leaders who will listen to the American people as they overwhelmingly call for the courage to act on gun safety. This historic investment is possible because of the movement we have built—working relentlessly to mobilize communities, shift cultures, and enact gun safety laws in dozens of states across the country. But we know there is far more work to do to keep our communities safe from the threat of gun violence. These resources will empower us to make a real difference in key local, state, and federal elections across the country.”
Polling conducted by Morning Consult and Politico found that 88% of registered voters support requiring background checks on all gun sales and 80% support requiring a person to be 21 in order to purchase a gun. Meanwhile, recent polling from CBS News indicates that by a 31-point margin, U.S. adults are less likely to vote for a candidate who opposes all forms of gun safety measures. Additionally, a recent Axios-Ipsos Latino poll found that gun violence is a top concern for Latino voters,surpassing inflation and the economy.
Since the tragedy at Sandy Hook in 2012, Giffords and the gun safety movement have helped pass more than 460 gun safety laws in 48 states and elect more than 350 candidates to federal and state offices. Giffords Law Center attorneys have filed over 75 briefs defending gun safety laws in the courts. Giffords will continue to take on the gun lobby and advocate for gun violence prevention efforts until the promise of a safe and just country is a reality for every American.
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