Giffords Endorses Terry McAuliffe for Governor; Second National Gun Violence Prevention Group Backs Terry This Week

Terry, the first southern governor to be elected after proudly running with an “F” from the NRA, went on to sign an executive order banning guns in most state buildings, proposed a dozen common sense bills, vetoed 18 radical Republican bills that would have further weakened Virginia’s lax gun laws, and passed the first meaningful gun safety laws in decades. That bipartisan deal included a domestic violence law that was one of the toughest in the nation.

“We are extremely proud to endorse proven gun safety champion Terry McAuliffe to be the Commonwealth’s next Governor,” said former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords. “We know that former Governor McAuliffe is a strong leader with the courage to take on the gun lobby and advance gun violence prevention measures that make Virginia’s communities safer. If elected to another term, he will lead the fight to make Virginia a leader in gun safety and protect Virginians from senseless gun violence.”

“Over the past eight years, Virginia Democrats have made tremendous progress in passing life-saving gun violence prevention legislation and have put a stop to dangerous legislation that would put more guns on our streets,” said Terry McAuliffe. “We must continue to move Virginia forward and keep our communities safe from gun violence. Giffords has been an incredible partner in the fight to end gun violence, and I am honored to receive their endorsement. I look forward to working together so we can combat gun violence and continue strengthening laws in Virginia.”

Republican nominee Glenn Youngkin, Donald Trump’s extreme hand-picked candidate and a lifelong NRA member, has repeatedly made clear he would put more guns on our streets, including in his first speech as the nominee. The Washington Post Editorial Board reported that Youngkin’s threats to roll back gun safety laws put universal background checks, extreme risk laws, and monthly limits on handgun sales at risk.

Terry’s plan calls for banning the sale of military-style assault firearms and high-capacity magazines, strengthening Virginia’s background check laws, and creating an office of gun violence prevention. Terry’s plan to confront the gun violence epidemic and save lives presents numerous solutions to preventing and addressing the daily gun violence in our communities. Giffords’ endorsement buttresses Terry’s growing support from the Gun Violence Prevention community, coalescing around his strong record and bold plan.