Giffords gun reform group backs eight 'strong women' in House reelection bids

A gun reform advocacy group founded by former Rep. Gabrielle Giffords (D-Ariz.) is backing reelection bids for eight freshman congresswomen as part of the organization’s first round of 2020 endorsements.

Giffords: Courage to Fight Gun Violence championed the women, several of whom flipped Republican-held seats in 2018, as key players to fight for gun reform proposals, according to the endorsement exclusively shared with The Hill on Tuesday.

Giffords endorsed Reps. Katie Porter (Calif.), Lucy McBath (Ga.), Lauren Underwood (Ill.), Angie Craig (Minn.), Susie Lee (Nev.), Susan Wild (Pa.), Jennifer Wexton (Va.) and Kim Schrier (Wash.)

“Strong women get things done and these leaders were essential to the successful effort to get gun safety legislation through Congress," Giffords, the founder of the organization and a survivor of gun violence, said in a statement. "Each has made clear that where others might waver, they will push ahead."

"These champions did not back down in the face of a gun lobby that tried to use its power and influence to block progress," she continued. "Their arrival in Washington signaled the NRA’s ironclad grip on the House of Representatives was over.”

Democratic wins in 2018, which gave the party control of the House, were largely credited to women in suburban districts — both female candidates and voters.

Giffords said gun control is a key issue for suburban women voters, and can help Democrats win in battleground states in November.



https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/480354-giffords-gun-reform-group-backs-eight-strong-women-in-house-reelection-bids