ICYMI: Despite the Gloom, for GVP Advocates There Were Election Victories
"This cause transcends politics and persists beyond any single election."
Hey, how’s everyone doing?
Whether the blinds of the recent election have been pulled or you’ve barely peeked through them, we’ve compiled some gun violence prevention wins that were gained last week to offer some hopeful beams of light as we enter a presumably tough time for gun violence prevention.
In case you missed it last week, check out the list below, including a few more positives* that have happened since.
By: Eric Davidson
No doubt, last weekend was filled with dark dejection and increased concern for the future of gun violence prevention in this country.
While Mondays aren’t everyone’s favorite day, they are a chance for a new start and an opportunity for those in the GVP field to grab a cup of coffee, shake off the dread, and get going again.
As Po Murray from Newtown Action Alliance reminds us in that org’s post-election statement: “Families directly impacted by gun violence have no choice but to endure. Their courage and resilience fuel our resolve to keep fighting for safer communities — for the lives of our children and loved ones. This cause transcends politics and persists beyond any single election.”
It is worth nothing that while the overall picture was grim, there were a lot of gun violence prevention positives in last week’s election. As Jay Franzone from Everytown for Gun Safety concluded in their statement, “There’s no such thing as ‘lost years’ when it comes to movement building. Take good care of yourself, your family and your colleagues — our work must go on, no matter what.”
We hope the the list of wins below can help re-fuel your fire to fight America’s gun epidemic. To quote Po Murray again, “Our work is not finished; this is just another chapter in our enduring pursuit of a safer, more just America. We will push forward, demand change, and work tirelessly until gun violence is no longer a constant threat to our society. We invite all to join our fight.”
Democrat Angela Alsobrooks wins a U.S. Senate seat in Maryland
“Angela Alsobrooks won a U.S. Senate seat on Tuesday to become the first Black candidate to be elected senator in Maryland….”
Democrat Hakeem Jeffries wins reelection to U.S. House in New York’s 8th Congressional District
Hakeem Jeffries' Voting Record on Guns
Lucy McBath wins reelection, jumping back to represent GA’s 6th District
“McBath has become one of Congress’ foremost voices for stricter gun regulations since she was first elected in 2018 after her son was shot to death.”
Democrat Maxwell Frost wins reelection to U.S. House in Florida’s 10th Congressional District
“The gun reform and social justice activist handily won a three-person primary earlier this year.”
Image via WFTV.
Democrat Bob Ferguson wins Washington governor's race
“‘Bob Ferguson is committed to building on Washington’s hard-earned reputation as a national leader on gun safety…’ said John Feinblatt, president of Everytown for Gun Safety.”
Josh Stein defeats Mark Robinson in NC governor’s race
“‘North Carolina voters just elected a proven gun sense champion in Josh Stein, who fought hard as Attorney General for common-sense measures to keep guns out of dangerous hands,’ said John Feinblatt, president of Everytown for Gun Safety.”
Democrat Matt Meyer defeats Republican Michael Ramone in Delaware governor’s race
“A former math teacher, Meyer focused heavily on education during his campaign…. His platform also includes expanding access to affordable housing, providing Medicaid funding for abortions, and enacting further restrictions on gun ownership.”
Gun Safety Victory: Jeff Jackson elected as North Carolina attorney general
“His proven track record of confronting gun violence and advocating for lifesaving policies makes him an exceptional choice to serve as the state’s top law enforcement official.”
VIDEO: Judge Goodwine wins KY Supreme Court race, becomes first Black woman elected to high court
“‘Kentucky voters just further cemented a gun sense majority on the state Supreme Court, which will go a long way toward safeguarding common-sense laws to keep guns out of dangerous hands,’ said John Feinblatt, president of Everytown for Gun Safety.”
Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott wins reelection; Democrats take City Council seats
Scott is also co-chair of Mayors Against Illegal Guns.
VIDEO: Memphis voters say yes to 3 gun control measures
“A controversial set of proposed gun control measures got a strong show of support from Memphis voters.”
Colorado Voters Pass Gun Tax to Fund Services for Domestic Violence Victims
“When it takes effect in April, it will impose a 6.5 percent excise tax on firearms and ammunition, which will provide an estimated $39 million in annual revenue. The bulk of those funds, roughly $30 million, will go toward organizations that support victims of crimes, mostly domestic and sexual violence.”
VIDEO: How advocates predict Trump's 2024 win could impact gun violence prevention laws
“I think our rights and freedoms will be under a higher attack than ever before. But I don't think it's completely over. I think there's still a country and, more importantly, our friends and family in the country that are worth fighting for. And we just put our heads down and get back to work. You just keep fighting.”
* GUN SAFETY VICTORY: Ruben Gallego elected to the US Senate
“‘Throughout his career, Ruben has shown he has the courage to stand up to the gun lobby and I know he will fight to close loopholes that let guns fall into the wrong hands,’ said former Congresswoman Gabby Giffords.”
* Tammy Baldwin, Everytown-Supported Gun Sense Candidate, Wins Re-election in Wisconsin
“‘As a born-and-bred Wisconsinite, Tammy Baldwin knows where her constituents stand on gun safety: Firmly on the side of common-sense laws to keep guns out of dangerous hands,’ said John Feinblatt, president of Everytown for Gun Safety.”
* Mike Thompson, Everytown-Supported Gun Sense Candidate, Wins in Re-Election in California’s Fourth Congressional District
“‘Representative Thompson has been a true leader in the fight against gun violence throughout his time in Congress,’ said Angela Ferrell-Zabala, executive director of Moms Demand Action.”
*Per Everytown for Gun Safety:
“326 and counting — that's how many of our Moms Demand Action volunteers ran for elected office, from school boards to statehouses to Congress, and WON. Not to mention the total 3,300 Gun Sense Candidates who claimed victory this election cycle.”
“Shaundelle Brooks won her race and will soon be sworn into the Tennessee state legislature. She's a survivor: Her son, Akilah Dasilva, was 23 years old when he was shot and killed in a Waffle House. She founded the Akilah Dasilva Foundation in his honor to fight against gun violence.”
VIDEO: Gun violence prevention groups react to Trump victory
For more post-election analysis from across the country, check out our Friday Finds roundups from the last two weeks:
Eric Davidson is Senior Editor at Armed With Reason. His first book, We Never Learn, has recently been reissued in an Expanded Edition.
In addition to Armed With Reason staff, we thank Newtown Action Alliance for help in compiling this list.
Image by calimiel from Pixabay.