Parkland Survivors’ Endorsements Amplify Gun Debate in Arizona’s Clash of Democrats vs. NRA Republicans

WASHINGTON – March For Our Lives, an organization established by survivors of the 2018 Parkland school shooting, has officially endorsed Democratic candidates in two critical Arizona elections.

The group supports U.S. Rep. Ruben Gallego of Phoenix in his Senate campaign against Republican Kari Lake and backs former state Senator Kirsten Engel of Tucson in her challenge against incumbent U.S. Rep. Juan Ciscomani, a Republican.

March For Our Lives praises Gallego’s advocacy for universal background checks, mental health resource expansion, and a ban on assault-style weapons like AK-47s and AR-15s.

Alexa Browning, the group’s policy manager, expressed optimism about Arizona’s elections, believing young voters will significantly influence the outcome.

Browning highlighted Engel’s support for expanded background checks and safe storage mandates, emphasizing their potential to mitigate suicide rates in Arizona.

In contrast, Lake and Ciscomani, both strong opponents of gun control measures, have the backing of the NRA. Despite multiple requests, neither candidate addressed March For Our Lives’ endorsements or their stance on gun policy.

Lake, a former TV anchor, has made headlines for her provocative comments on gun rights, advocating for supporters to “strap on a Glock” ahead of the elections. Recently, she invoked the Second Amendment while criticizing perceived lawlessness involving Venezuelan gangs.

In a speech to Georgia Republicans, Lake suggested a readiness among Trump supporters to use guns to protect him from legal challenges, stating, “Most of us are card-carrying members of the NRA.”

Ciscomani, during his 2022 campaign, pledged to resist any infringement on the constitutional right to bear arms. Currently, gun rights do not appear as a primary focus on his campaign site.

The Gun Owners of America rates Ciscomani with a B+, while Gallego receives an F. March For Our Lives is entering the political arena for the first time this election cycle, having recently endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris.

Gallego, a former Marine, has long been an advocate for measures to reduce gun violence, citing strong public support for common-sense reforms in Arizona. He recently reiterated his position, saying, “Bad people should not have weapons.”

Engel, focusing on preventive measures, echoes Gallego’s sentiments and is committed to curbing gun violence through red flag laws and banning assault weapons.

Polling data from previous years suggests that a significant majority of voters in Arizona consider candidates’ positions on gun policy crucial to their choices. The state ranks high in gun-related deaths and faces increasing concerns over gun violence among its youth.

U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy recently labeled firearm violence a public health crisis, underscoring the urgency of addressing gun-related issues.

As the elections approach, March For Our Lives aims to mobilize supporters across Arizona. “This fight for gun violence prevention is an ongoing process,” said Browning, emphasizing the need for long-term engagement beyond mere electoral cycles.