Initial results show 84 Alliance-endorsed candidates have won their seats

Up and down the ballot, Washingtonians cast their votes for gun responsibility champions, recognizing that the need for action on gun violence persists

SEATTLE, WA – In an election and a year unlike any other, Washington voters proved that, even amid all the challenges of 2020, they want leaders who understand the urgent need to act to end gun violence in all its forms. Initial election results show that at least 84 out of 98 Alliance for Gun Responsibility Victory Fund-endorsed candidates have won their seats. 

From the earliest days of the coronavirus crisis it was clear that the pandemic would not stop the gun violence epidemic. Instead, COVID-19 exacerbated the risk of domestic violence, suicide, and unintentional shootings. And despite widespread school and office closures and restrictions on large gatherings, community gun violence has skyrocketed and there has been a record number of mass shootings this year. 

Alliance for Gun Responsibility CEO, Renée Hopkins, issued the following statement: 

“Safe communities were top of mind for voters this election. From the race between Governor Jay Inslee and gun lobby darling Loren Culp to the historic calls to end police violence to President Trump’s encouragement of extreme armed militia groups, gun safety was on the ballot. And yet again, voters showed that they want elected officials who understand that one public health crisis does not stop for another. We must continue working to end gun violence while we work to recover from the COVID-19 crisis and reimagine how we keep our communities safe. We cannot press pause on this lifesaving work. 

President-Elect Joe Biden and Vice President-Elect Kamala Harris ran on the strongest gun violence prevention platform in history. Their victory paired with the success of gun responsibility champions across the country and in Washington signal that progress is possible. 

Voters have chosen a path that promises safer, healthier, and more equitable communities. The work does not stop here. We are committed to holding our elected officials accountable and working with them to build a better future.”

The Victory Fund and Federal Victory Fund endorsed candidates up and down the ballot in local and federal races across Washington state, including, for the first time, a presidential candidate. A full list of Alliance for Gun Responsibility Victory Fund endorsements can be found here.

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