Last Night, Gun Safety Won Up and Down the Ballot

Today, Everytown for Gun Safety and its grassroots networks, Moms Demand Action and Students Demand Action, released the following statement after gun sense candidates and gun safety champions won primary elections up and down the ballot in Ohio and Indiana. 

Three Moms Demand Action volunteers will advance to general elections in Indiana and Ohio, showcasing the growing political power of Moms Demand Action volunteers. Additionally, over a dozen candidates with Moms Demand Action Gun Sense Distinctions will advance to general elections. 

Two gun safety champions will be at the top of the ticket in Ohio this November, with Rep. Tim Ryan winning the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate, and former Dayton Mayor Nan Whaley winning the Democratic Primary for Governor. Rep. Ryan has been a gun safety champion in Congress, and Mayors Against Illegal Guns member Mayor Whaley has been a national voice for gun safety, particularly after the 2019 mass shooting in Dayton, and was recognized by Everytown as its 2021 Gun Sense Lawmaker of the Year. 

“Last night’s primaries are further proof that if you’re on the right side of gun safety, voters will reward you for it,” said Shannon Watts, founder of Moms Demand Action. “We congratulate the Moms Demand Action volunteers who are Demanding a Seat and advanced to general elections last night, as well as every Gun Sense Candidate on the ballot who will put public safety ahead of gun industry profits.” 

“Moms Demand Action volunteers have been a political force for years, so it’s no surprise that when they decide to run, voters are welcoming them with open arms,” said John Feinblatt, president of Everytown for Gun Safety. “Having candidates like Mayors Against Illegal Guns member Nan Whaley and Rep. Ryan leading the ticket is yet another sign that gun safety has gone from a political third rail to a winning issue.” 

Moms Demand Action volunteers who advanced to general elections last night include: 

• Penny Githens, a Moms Demand Action volunteer running in Indiana’s 62nd state House District
• Andrea Hunley, a Moms Demand Action volunteer running in Indiana’s 46th state Senate District 
• Erin Dickinson, a Moms Demand Action volunteer running for Summit County, Ohio Council 

Last year, Everytown for Gun Safety Victory Fund launched “Demand a Seat,” a new program that trains volunteers and gun violence survivors to run for office and work on campaigns. The program will invest $3 million in educational training and mentorship opportunities for grassroots volunteers considering campaigns at the local, state, and federal levels. Since the launch of Demand a Seat, hundreds of people have expressed interest and more than 250 people have participated in the program from 41 states, including 120 gun violence survivors. More information on Demand a Seat can be found here.