Making it clear that the issue of guns will be a major part of the campaign for Florida Governor, multiple gun violence prevention groups have endorsed and contributed to Democrat Charlie Crist over incumbent Republican Ron DeSantis.
“From Parkland to Pulse, Floridians are acutely aware of the pain of gun violence and the hole it leaves in our families and communities,” said Charlie Crist. “Under Governor DeSantis, Florida would be a permitless carry state, making our families and communities less safe — it’s shameful.
Ban Assault Weapons NOW endorsed Charlie Crist for Governor and made a generous $25,000 contribution to the Democrat’s fight against Gov. DeSantis. The group cited Crist’s strong voting record on gun safety legislation.
BAWN, which was founded by Gail Schwartz, aunt of Parkland shooting victim Alex Schachter, is backing Crist in the face of Gov. DeSantis’s inaction on gun violence prevention and support for permitless carry across the state.
“In addition to saying he would have vetoed the bipartisan common sense reforms passed after the Parkland massacre, Ron DeSantis has vowed to pass a permitless and untrained carry bill – allowing Floridians to carry a loaded gun in public with no permit, no safety training and no background check. At a time when Florida has experienced an average of 2849 gun deaths annually, this will unquestionably cause more bloodshed and heartache in our communities,” said Gail Schwartz, BAWN Founder.
“I’m proud to earn the support of BAWN in our mission to fight for Florida and work to put an end to the gun violence epidemic destroying our communities,” said Crist. “Enough is enough. How many more innocent children and families need to die before we take real action to keep Floridians safe? I vow to be a fighter for common sense gun reform and a champion for safer schools and communities.”
Everytown, another national gun violence prevention organization, also endorsed Crist.
“Ending gun violence requires electing strong gun sense champions and Charlie Crist has a solid track record of supporting gun safety in Florida,” said Monisha Henley, Senior Director of State Government Affairs for Everytown. “Everytown has endorsed Charlie Crist because Florida families and communities deserve a governor who will work day in and day out to keep constituents safe from gun violence. Our grassroots army of Moms Demand Action and Students Demand Action volunteers are eager to get out the vote for him this November.”
Crist has been an ongoing supporter in the fight against gun violence, including unveiling his “Safer Florida for All” plan to curb the threat of gun violence and keep Florida’s schools and communities safe. Crist has pledged to require background checks for private gun sales, ban the sale of assault weapons, and keep guns out of the hands of criminals and terrorists.
Giffords PAC, the gun safety organization founded by former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, also announced its endorsement of the Charlie Crist and Karla Hernández ticket.
“Charlie Crist has been a longtime advocate for commonsense gun safety measures. Throughout his career in public service, he has always put Floridians’ safety first,” said Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords. “In Congress, he supported every major piece of gun safety legislation, including legislation to close gun law loopholes and the historic Bipartisan Safer Communities Act. His courage to act is what Floridians need at this moment. His running mate, Karla Hernández, is also a steadfast champion for gun safety and has been a leader in the fight to end gun violence. Together, I know they will be able to help secure a safer future for Florida families.”
“As a teacher and parent, I know first hand the fear so many children and families live with each and every day as a result of the gun violence epidemic,” said Karla Hernández, candidate for lieutenant governor. “And even now, years after the Parkland shooting that left too many innocent kids and teachers dead, politicians in Tallahassee have refused to enact the change we deserve to live in violence free communities. Our families need a champion in the governor’s office. The Crist-Hernández ticket is on the side of the people and we will not relent in this fight.”
