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GIFFORDS PAC Endorses Gun Safety Champions in Critical Special Elections

Washington DC — Today, Giffords PAC, the gun safety organization founded by former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, announced its endorsement of three candidates running in upcoming special state legislative elections in two battleground states. In Michigan, where the gun safety majority in the state House is once again on the line and GIFFORDS has won landmark legislation, GIFFORDS PAC endorsed Mai Xiong (HD-13), who serves on the Macomb County Board of Commissioners, and Andrea Rutkowski (HD-25), president pro tempore of the Westland City Council. In Florida, GIFFORDS PAC also endorsed Tom Keen (HD-35), a military veteran, whose election could help break the current Republican supermajority that has passed dangerous policies like permitless carry.

Former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords

“In 2024, every election matters. I’m proud to endorse Mai Xiong, Andrea Rutkowski, and Tom Keen in these critical special elections. In Michigan, both Mai and Andrea will build on our wins in the last year, which included universal background checks and an extreme risk protection law. In Florida, the state legislature needs leaders like Tom who will stop the gun lobby’s radical agenda and fight for solutions that save lives. I am confident that these three candidates will prioritize public safety in office and work to build a safe future free from gun violence.”

Mai Xiong (MI, HD-13)

“I am deeply honored and proud to be endorsed by GIFFORDS PAC, an organization on the frontline of the battle against the gun violence epidemic. Together, we are daring to envision a future where our communities are free from the stranglehold of the gun lobby. By uniting our efforts, we can rewrite the narrative—because gun violence should never be the norm, and together, we will build a safer, more secure future for all.”

Andrea Rutkowski (MI, HD-25)

“I am honored to have received GIFFORDS PAC’s support in this race. As a mother and educator, I see firsthand the need for gun violence prevention measures and more mental healthcare in our state. I am looking forward to championing these issues in Lansing.”

Tom Keen (FL, HD-35)

“I’m deeply honored to receive the endorsement of GIFFORDS PAC, an organization at the forefront of the fight against the gun violence epidemic that grips our nation. This endorsement is not only a recognition of our campaign’s commitment to gun safety but also a call to action to stand up against the gun lobby’s influence on our political system. As a 21-year military veteran, I’ve seen the devastating impact of gun violence, especially among our veterans. This endorsement strengthens my resolve to be a champion for gun safety legislation, to ensure that every voice demanding safer communities is heard. Together, with organizations like GIFFORDS PAC, we will continue making historic progress, electing leaders who prioritize safety over gun lobby profits, and enacting the lifesaving gun laws America urgently needs.”

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

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