GIFFORDS PAC endorses Governor JB Pritzker and Christian Mitchell in Illinois

WASHINGTON — GIFFORDS PAC, the national gun violence prevention organization led by former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, released the following statement endorsing Illinois Governor JB Pritzker for reelection, with Christian Mitchell as his running mate. 

“Governor JB Pritzker and Christian Mitchell have both demonstrated a firm commitment to safety and fighting gun violence. For years, they have successfully advanced lifesaving measures that reduce crime and protect communities across the Prairie State,” said Congresswoman Giffords. “Governor Pritzker and Christian Mitchell are exactly the leaders Illinoisans need at this moment. I am proud to endorse them both in this critical election cycle and look forward to working with them in Springfield.”

“No one, no matter their zip code, should have to live in fear of gun violence in their home, school, place of worship, or neighborhood. As governor, I have worked to enact common sense gun safety reforms to prevent these tragedies, including establishing a ban on assault weapons and high-capacity magazines and strengthening safe firearm storage and tracing requirements in our state. I will not rest until every Illinoisan is safe from the scourge of gun violence. Gabby Giffords’ fearless advocacy has been a constant source of inspiration for me, and I am honored to be endorsed by GIFFORDS PAC,” said Governor JB Pritzker.

“I’m proud to receive the endorsement of GIFFORDS PAC. As deputy governor, I helped lead the effort to pass Illinois’ assault weapons ban following the Highland Park mass shooting. Every Illinoisan in every corner of our state deserves to feel safe and be safe from gun violence, and JB and I will never stop fighting to make that reality. I’m grateful to work alongside Gabby Giffords in the fight to end gun violence,” said Christian Mitchell.  

First elected to his role as governor in 2018, Governor Pritzker has fought to protect Illinoisans from gun violence. He declared gun violence a public health crisis in Illinois and doubled funding for violence prevention programs. Governor Pritzker has also worked to stop the spread of 3D printed ghost guns, led the charge to ban the sale of assault weapons, and signed the Firearm Industry Responsibility Act to hold irresponsible gun industry actors accountable. In 2025, he signed new legislation strengthening safe storage requirements in homes with children, in addition to bolstering Illinois’s systems for illegal firearm trafficking. 

Christian Mitchell has served not only in the statehouse and as a member of the Illinois Air National Guard, but also as Governor Pritzker’s deputy governor of environment, infrastructure, and public safety. In that position, he was a key partner in passing Illinois’ landmark assault weapons ban following the Highland Park massacre, and advocated for universal background checks. While serving as a state representative, Mitchell formed the Illinois Gun Trafficking Task Force to develop legislative solutions that truly intervene in cycles of violence and crime.