Giffords PAC Endorsement Highlights Gov. Pritzker’s Commitment to Ending Gun Violence
CHICAGO, IL – Today, Governor JB Pritzker and lieutenant governor candidate Christian Mitchell were endorsed by GIFFORDS PAC. Led by former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, who survived a shooting during a constituent event, GIFFORDS is a national advocacy organization dedicated to saving lives from gun violence.
This endorsement reflects Gov. Pritzker and Christian Mitchell’s commitment to ensure every Illinoisan is safe from gun violence, no matter their zip code.
“Governor JB Pritzker and lieutenant governor candidate 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 lieutenant governor candidate 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 lieutenant governor candidate Christian Mitchell.
Gov. Pritzker and Christian Mitchell have passed some of the strongest gun safety legislation and reforms in the country:
Over the past seven years, Gov. JB Pritzker:
- Declared gun violence a public health crisis in Illinois
- Doubled funding for violence prevention programs
- Worked to stop the spread of 3D-printed ghost guns
- Led the charge to ban the sale of assault weapons
- Signed the Firearm Industry Responsibility Act to hold irresponsible gun industry actors accountable
- Signed legislation to strengthen safe storage requirements in homes with children and bolster Illinois’ systems for combating illegal firearm trafficking
During his time as an Illinois representative and deputy governor, Mitchell:
- Led the effort to pass Illinois’ landmark assault weapons ban
- Advocated for universal background checks
- Formed the Illinois Gun Trafficking Task Force to develop legislative solutions that disrupt cycles of violence and crime
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