March For Our Lives Unveils First-Ever Congressional Endorsements
Days after a school shooter killed four people and wounded nine others at Apalachee High School near Atlanta, Georgia, the youth-focused gun control advocacy group March for Our Lives has unveiled its first-ever congressional endorsements.
In July, the group endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris’ 2024 presidential campaign — the first presidential endorsement in March for Our Lives’ history. On Monday, the activist group announced that it is also backing several Arizona candidates in November’s elections — the first of several down-ballot endorsements planned by the organization.
“As America confronts the growing danger of authoritarianism, and a gun violence epidemic devastating our communities, we need champions at every level of government who will stand up and fight for our lives,” March for Our Lives wrote in a statement.
Chief among them is Rep. Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), who is running to fill the Senate seat that will be vacated by outgoing Senator Kirsten (I-Ariz.)
“Gallego understands what’s at stake and will fight for our lives and freedoms,” the group wrote. “In contrast, his opponent Kari Lake has been endorsed by the NRA and even made dangerous and suggestive comments when she told her supporters to arm themselves and ‘strap on a glock’ ahead of the election. She is a dangerous fear monger who must be stopped.”
“This race was identified by CIRCLE as a top race where the youth vote can have a significant impact. This is our opportunity to elect a gun violence prevention champion who will fight for our lives in the Senate,” they added.
March for Our Lives also endorsed former state Sen. Kirsten Engel in the state’s Sixth Congressional District, as well as the reelection campaign of Rep. Raul Grijalva (D-Ariz.).
“In this critical moment, it’s not just about who we elect at the top of the ballot but across all levels of government. From the Senate to the House, we need gun violence prevention champions who will fight for real change,” Natalie Fall, Executive Director of March For Our Lives, said in a statement provided to Rolling Stone. “The recent shooting in Georgia is yet another painful reminder of the urgent need for change in this country and the importance of electing leaders who will protect young people’s lives and futures. With these endorsements, we are mobilizing our base and will use our political power to elect leaders who will listen to us, stand up for us, and push back against the gun lobby. Time and again, young people have been a force to be reckoned with, and 2024 will be no exception. This fight is about more than just one race or candidate — it’s about electing leaders at every level who will march alongside us and fight for real, lasting change.”
In the wake of last week’s school shooting, Republican vice presidential candidate J.D. Vance told a crowd of supporters in Phoenix, Arizona, that while he doesn’t “like to admit this” school shootings are “a fact of life,” and described educational institutions as “soft targets.”
“Gun violence is a choice our leaders are making. JD Vance is making his choice clear,” March for Our Lives wrote on X in response.
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