- Press Release
March For Our Lives Announces First Endorsements in Races Nationwide, Starting in Arizona
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For the first time in our history, March For Our Lives is endorsing congressional and senate candidates who are champions for gun safety and young people.
New York, NY — Today, March For Our Lives is announcing our first endorsements in congressional and senate elections across the country. 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. That’s why we are excited to support candidates in Arizona, Michigan, Florida, and New York—states and races where the youth vote is expected to have the greatest impact on the margin of victory. We will be releasing each set of endorsements throughout this month.
Our first endorsements are in Arizona with Ruben Gallego for US Senate, Kirsten Engel for Congress in AZ-06, and Raul Grijalva for Congress in AZ-07.
US Senate: Congressman Ruben Gallego
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.
Currently representing Arizona’s third congressional district, Ruben Gallego is a first-generation American who has been a steadfast advocate for gun violence prevention. From helping us pass the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act and voting for background checks, safe storage legislation, and an assault weapon ban to supporting a code of ethics and term limits for the Supreme Court – Gallego understands what’s at stake and will fight for our lives and freedoms. 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. March For Our Lives is proud to endorse Ruben Gallego for Senate.
Arizona’s Sixth Congressional District: Kirsten Engel
Arizona’s sixth congressional district is currently represented by Juan Ciccimoni, an extreme far-right legislator who has been endorsed by the NRA, has fought against common-sense gun reform, and even sat on the board of an organization promoting firearms to children. However, President Biden won this district in 2020 and it is top of our list of seats to flip. We’re excited to flip this seat and put our political power behind Kirsten Engel, a former State Senator who has a history of fighting for gun safety and will support our priority bills.
Arizona’s Seventh Congressional District: Congressman Raul Grijalva.
Representing Arizona’s seventh congressional district, Raul Grijalva has consistently championed legislation aimed at reducing gun violence and enhancing community safety. He has supported measures such as expanding background checks, implementing red flag laws, and promoting gun safety education and has signed onto a majority of our organization’s priority bills. March For Our Lives is proud to endorse Congressman Raul Grijalva.
We will be releasing our other endorsements in Michigan, Florida, and New York in the coming weeks.
Since our founding, we’ve helped drive youth turnout to record highs again and again, and the 2024 election will be no exception—and we’re certain that by winning our endorsement, these candidates are putting themselves in the best possible position to win the youth vote. Gun violence has consistently been a driving issue for young voters, and this year it ranks among the top three issues for young people across the nation.
“As we move closer to the 2024 elections, March For Our Lives remains steadfast in our mission to not only influence policy but to shape the national conversation around gun violence,” said Natalie Fall, Executive Director of March For Our Lives. “Our endorsements are more than just a stamp of approval—they represent our belief in the power of young people to create change. The candidates we are endorsing today are champions for gun safety who will take the bold action we need to keep our schools, neighborhoods, and public spaces safe from the scourge of gun violence. This election is a critical turning point, and with the youth vote leading the charge, we are confident that we can secure the change we need and elect leaders who will consistently march for our lives.”
Last month, March For Our Lives made our first-ever endorsement, coming out in support of Kamala Harris. But we know that to make meaningful progress on gun safety, we need champions at all levels of government. That’s why we are building on that momentum to meet this moment. We have carefully evaluated candidates for Congress, opting only to endorse those who share our commitment to preventing gun violence with a holistic vision and community-based solutions. The candidates we endorse have demonstrated a deep understanding of the issues surrounding gun violence and have committed to prioritizing young people’s voices while in office. They have agreed to fight for several of our policy priorities including firearm regulation and access, creating safe and healthy communities, and promoting a democracy for all. We’re excited to hit the streets and fight for them.
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