Former Arizona Congresswoman Gabby Giffords endorses Slotkin for US Senate

Michigan Democratic Congresswoman Elissa Slotkin, one of the leading candidates to replace Michigan’s soon-to-retire U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow, is getting some help on the campaign trail from a high-profile name.

Former Arizona Congresswoman Gabby Giffords is endorsing Slotkin via her GIFFORDS PAC gun reform organization. Giffords, who was forced to resign due to brain injury after being shot in the head in 2011, said Slotkin is a key ally in enacting gun reform in the U.S.

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“Elissa has the unwavering commitment needed to address the epidemic of gun violence our country faces,” Giffords said in a statement. “Having grown up around firearms and worked in national security, she understands that we can respect the rights of gun owners while supporting the commonsense reforms needed to keep our families safe. With gun violence impacting communities all over Michigan every day — from big cities like Detroit to small towns like Oxford — Elissa has put the safety of Michiganders first and worked to pass meaningful gun safety laws.”

Slotkin had two mass shootings in her current congressional district in less than two years — 2021’s shooting at Oxford High School and at Michigan State University back in February.

Gifford’s political action committee says Slotkin is the first federal candidate they’ve thrown their support to in this election cycle. Both women called for gun reform laws at an event earlier this year in Lansing.

Slotkin is part of a crowded field of senatorial candidates that includes actor Hill Harper, Dearborn businessman Nasser Beydoun and state Board of Education member Nikki Snyder, among others.