GIFFORDS PAC Announces Inaugural Champion Award Winners

Washington DC—Today, GIFFORDS PAC, the gun safety organization founded by former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, announced the winners of the inaugural GIFFORDS Champion Award. The Champion Award was created to bring new voices into the fight for stronger gun laws and uplift the next generation of gun safety champions. The award will bolster candidates who are making gun safety a core part of their campaigns and help them earn seats in Congress and statehouses in 2024, where they will lead the effort to pass sensible gun legislation. 

This year’s winners are Lateefah Simon (candidate for US House, CA-12), Brian Williams (candidate for US House, TX-32), Yvette Valdés Smith(candidate for New York Senate, SD-39), and Averie Bishop (candidate for Texas House, HD-112).

“When I founded GIFFORDS in the aftermath of Sandy Hook, we met with countless elected leaders who didn’t have the courage to stand up to the gun lobby and support gun safety bills. But the tide has turned and today, we’re awarding the inaugural GIFFORDS Champion Award to four state and federal candidates who are proudly running for office on the issue of gun safety. These emerging leaders have different stories and backgrounds—but they’re united in the goal of passing smart, commonsense gun laws once they’re elected. 

“Candidates everywhere can run and win on a platform of gun safety. Americans want their kids to be safe at school and in public spaces, and they want their leaders to build a safer future for the next generation. I’m so proud to award Lateefah Simon, Brian Williams, Yvette Valdés Smith, and Averie Bishop with this award, and I can’t wait to get them elected in November. They are the leaders we need in office to get the job done and save lives.”

“In the face of personal tragedy, the national tragedy of gun violence, and overwhelming headwinds, GIFFORDS has been fearless and effective in the fight to end gun violence in America and their work is moving us to a future that is safer and brighter for the next generation. Daring to dream of what is better has been what led to my career in service. I am honored to have earned this distinction and I am ready to get to work in Congress to champion the critical work of ending gun violence in our communities.”

“I am honored to receive the GIFFORDS Champion Award. As a veteran and trauma surgeon, I have spent my career dedicated to keeping our communities safe and healthy. I have seen the deadly effects of bad policy in the lives of my patients – I’ve had to pronounce far too many children dead on arrival from gun violence and tell too many families they’d never see their loved ones again. Congresswoman Giffords’ leadership and relentless fight to end gun violence has been a guide for my own advocacy. I look forward to working alongside GIFFORDS to pass universal background checks, raise the minimum age to purchase a firearm, and reinstate the assault weapons ban as a member of Congress.”

“I am beyond honored – I am empowered by the news that I have been selected as one of the inaugural winners of the GIFFORDS Champion Award. As a Latina, a mom, and a former public school teacher, I know all too well the daily toll that gun violence has taken on our communities. I am running for New York State Senate to move us forward so that our kids don’t have to worry about school shootings. I’m running so that our neighbors are safe in their places of worship, our grocery stores, everywhere. When we elect leaders who take on gun safety, we are electing leaders who care about our communities. It’s time to change the narrative – let’s win this fight together.”

“I am honored to receive the GIFFORDS Champion Award. I know what it’s like to sit in fear inside of a classroom both as a student and as a substitute teacher. Our children, and all of our communities, deserve to feel safe. The issue of gun violence isn’t just one that my generation cares deeply about. It is the singular political issue that immediately threatens the health and wellbeing of both young and old. Now, the next generation of leaders is here to ensure that our nation moves towards a safer, more inclusive future rather than choosing to stay trapped in a cycle of violence and pain.”

MEDIA REQUESTS

Our experts can speak to the full spectrum of gun violence prevention issues. Have a question? Email us at media@giffords.org.

Contact