GIFFORDS PAC endorses David Crowley for governor and Sarah Godlewski for lieutenant governor in Wisconsin

WASHINGTON — GIFFORDS PAC, the national gun violence prevention organization led by former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, released the following statement endorsing Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley for governor and Secretary of State Sarah Godlewski for lieutenant governor of  Wisconsin.

“For too long, progress in Madison has stalled because of Republican inaction, but with leaders like David Crowley and Sarah Godlewski, we can flip the legislature for the first time in decades. Without strong leadership in the governor’s office, local communities will be left vulnerable to the gun violence epidemic,” said former Congresswoman Gabby Giffords. “That’s why today I’m proud to endorse David and Sarah for governor and lieutenant governor of Wisconsin. This November, I urge all Wisconsinites to head to the polls and send them to Madison, where they will stand up to the gun lobby, fight for safer communities and save lives.”

“Gun violence is a public health crisis that affects too many families, too many neighborhoods, and too many lives. I have worked to strengthen community-based violence prevention programs, expand access to mental and behavioral health services, and invest in youth engagement efforts that create positive opportunities for young people,” said Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley. “I am honored to receive the endorsement of former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords and GIFFORDS PAC. By working together with local leaders, community organizations, public health professionals, and law enforcement, we will build a stronger, more coordinated approach to violence prevention and recommit ourselves to building a safer, healthier, and more united Wisconsin — where every person has the opportunity to live free from gun violence.”

“I’m honored to receive GIFFORDS PAC’s endorsement and stand with them in the fight to end gun violence in Wisconsin. As a mom, I know every parent deserves to send their child to school without fear,” said Secretary of State Sarah Godlewski. “Thoughts and prayers aren’t enough, Wisconsin families deserve leaders who will fight for commonsense gun safety laws, and that’s exactly what I’ll do as Lieutenant Governor.”

David Crowley currently serves as Milwaukee County executive, and previously represented Wisconsin’s 17th District in the Wisconsin Assembly. Throughout his career, he has focused on fighting gun violence by treating it like the public health crisis that it is. This includes directing more than $80 million into Milwaukee County’s public safety continuum and helping to launch youth-focused programs like the Advance Peace initiative, the Credible Messenger Program, and the Destined for Greater initiative. Crowley also supported the creation of the Mental Health Emergency Center and the Marcia P. Coggs Health and Human Services Center.

Secretary of State Sarah Godlewski has served in her current role since 2023, and previously represented communities across Wisconsin as the state treasurer. She is a steadfast proponent of commonsense gun safety, and in 2022, she declared June 3 to be Gun Violence Awareness Day in Wisconsin to bring attention to the ongoing gun violence crisis. She also called on the State of Wisconsin Investment Board to divest from any potential holdings in gun companies.