Gun control activists are increasing their efforts to support presumptive Democratic nominee Kamala Harris for president and help Democrats win the House of Representatives in November. GIFFORDS, a gun violence prevention group founded by former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, has announced a $15 million campaign targeting battleground state voters. The campaign includes television, digital advertising, direct mail, and sending Giffords and surrogates to campaign for Harris and down-ballot candidates who advocate for stricter gun laws.
Emma Brown, the executive director for GIFFORDS, emphasized the importance of supporting leaders committed to saving lives, including Vice President Kamala Harris. The campaign will focus on swing states like Michigan and Arizona for the presidential election, as well as swing congressional districts in California and New York that could impact control of the House of Representatives next year.
Internal polling conducted by GIFFORDS in June revealed that 70% of American voters in battleground districts are highly concerned about gun violence. The group believes that key voter groups, such as women, Latino, and Black Americans, strongly support tougher gun laws and could influence close races if motivated to vote.
A poll conducted in June showed that 45% of Americans consider guns to be an extremely important issue, ranking it 7th out of 10 issues. The top-ranked issues were the future of American democracy, the economy, and stability and normalcy. Erich Pratt from Gun Owners of America expressed skepticism about the significance of gun control as a motivating issue for voters.
Gabrielle Giffords, who founded GIFFORDS after surviving a 2011 assassination attempt, has been actively campaigning for Harris. Giffords, along with other surrogates, framed the upcoming presidential election as a choice between Harris, who supports a ban on assault weapons, and the potential for increased gun violence under President Trump.
At an event in Pennsylvania, Giffords and other speakers highlighted the impact of gun violence on communities and urged voters to consider the implications for a safer America. The event also featured discussions about potential vice presidential candidates, including Sen. Mark Kelly, Giffords' husband.
