WA VOTERS ELECT GUN SAFETY CHAMPIONS AS MOVEMENT FACES NEW FEDERAL CHALLENGES WITH TRUMP PRESIDENCY

A staggering 83 WA candidates endorsed by the Alliance the Gun Responsibility poised to win, with more still too close to call

Despite national results, WA voters double down on our state’s commitment to reducing gun violence and making our communities safer

SEATTLE, WA – Washington voters have reaffirmed their commitment to gun violence prevention by electing gun safety champions up and down the ballot. These victories will be crucial as the gun safety movement focuses on continuing to advance life-saving policies at the state level.

“Like many in the gun violence prevention movement, I’m disappointed and disheartened by the presidential election and what another Trump Administration means for the chance of federal action on gun safety legislation,” said Renée Hopkins, CEO of the Alliance for Gun Responsibility. “But it’s important to remember that we’ve been here before. While a chaotic first Trump White House stoked the flames of political and racial violence, we passed the most comprehensive gun violence prevention ballot measure in state history and checked off countless state legislative policy victories. So we’ll do what we did before and continue passing common-sense gun laws while defending against any federal efforts to weaken existing protections.”.

The road to a future free from gun violence will continue to run through the states. The Alliance for Gun Responsibility has proven that, similar to other social movements, the fastest way to make progress and build pressure for national political change is through local action.

In Washington, Governor-Elect Bob Ferguson will continue his hard-earned legacy as a staunch advocate for common-sense gun responsibility laws that save lives, supported by Alliance-endorsed Attorney General-Elect Nick Brown and the strongest gun violence prevention majority in the history of Washington’s Legislature.

Other key victories in Washington include Ryan Mello’s election as Pierce County Executive. The election of gun violence prevention champions like Mello to key local offices is critical to the work of ensuring policy victories like Extreme Risk Protection Orders are implemented and utilized effectively to keep our communities safer and save lives.

“This election marks a new chapter in our fight to end gun violence,” said Stephanie Ervin, director of the Alliance for Gun Responsibility Victory Fund PAC. “We’ve elected proven gun safety champions to the most important positions in Washington, ready to continue their leadership in this life-saving work from the moment they’re sworn in. From the Legislature that prioritizes gun safety bills to the governor who signs them, to the local offices who implement and enforce them, Washington families can feel confident knowing our leaders will prioritize keeping our communities safe.”

In Legislative races across Washington, 65 candidates endorsed by the Alliance won their House or Senate races, strengthening the ranks of what advocates believe will be the strongest gun violence prevention majority in Washington legislative history and setting the stage for a bold 2025 legislative agenda.

“Washington voters have delivered a decisive message at the ballot box, and we’ll respond by delivering our strongest agenda yet to lawmakers in the new year,” said Dylan O’Connor, Government Affairs Director of the Alliance for Gun Responsibility. “We look forward to the work we’ll do together in ensuring Washington continues to lead the way on gun violence prevention.”

The Alliance for Gun Responsibility has built significant momentum at the state level, with Washington passing major legislation on safe storage, Extreme Risk Protection Orders, and industry accountability. These state-level successes provide a roadmap for continued progress despite federal obstacles.

A full list of the Alliance for Gun Responsibility Victory Fund endorsements can be found here.