FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 25, 2024
Contact: [email protected]
GIFFORDS PAC Endorses Gil Cisneros in CA 31
Nationally Recognized Gun Safety Group Backs Cisneros For His Record On Ending Gun Violence
Covina, CA – Today, the gun safety advocacy group led by former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, Giffords PAC announced their endorsement of former LA County Congressman, Under Secretary of Defense, and Education and Veterans Advocate Gil Cisneros in California’s 31st Congressional District. Giffords PAC works to reduce gun violence and save lives by empowering voters with information and supporting candidates who will fight for safer gun laws. Gil has been a fierce advocate for common sense gun safety in Congress and has stood up to the NRA throughout his career proudly boasting his 0% rating.
“My grandfather was murdered at gunpoint when his neighborhood market was robbed. This happened when my mother was 10 years old, and it is something that still affects my family today.” said Cisneros “I am returning to Washington to stand up to the NRA and work to end gun violence. The people of the San Gabriel Valley deserve to live their lives without fear of becoming a victim of gun violence.”
“Over the last two years, House Republican leadership has done nothing to reduce crime or keep our communities safe. This fall, we must flip control of the House and install a gun safety majority that is committed to building a safer future for our children. I am proud to endorse these determined champions who have the talent to win in some of the toughest districts on the map. I know each of them will prioritize ending our country’s epidemic of gun violence in office.”
Gil knows the scourge of gun violence first-hand. When his mother was only 10 years old, Gil’s grandfather was murdered at gunpoint during a robbery, and the loss still affects his family today.
While serving in Congress, Gil earned an ‘F’ rating from the NRA– and he wears it as a badge of honor. When he returns to Washington, Gil will fight for comprehensive gun safety measures that protect our communities and prevent gun violence. This includes common-sense reforms such as universal background checks to keep guns out of the hands of people who should not have them, such as those with violent criminal records or mental health issues.
Gil is a staunch supporter of bringing back an assault weapons ban to protect the safety and well-being of our communities, particularly our school children. As a Navy veteran, Gil knows there is no place for military-style assault weapons on our streets. By limiting access to these high-capacity, rapid-firing firearms, Congress can reduce the likelihood of more devastating incidents like those we’ve witnessed far too often.
Gil believes we should treat gun violence as the deadly public health crisis it is. When Gil was in Congress, he voted in support of funding to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for research on gun violence as a public health issue. He stands with the students, families, and organizers who are fighting to enact these commonsense policies to keep our communities safe, once and for all.
Gils’ list of endorsers continues to skyrocket after a December public poll showed the Navy Veteran with a commanding lead in a crowded top two primary.
Gil Cisneros supporters include Supervisor Hilda Solis, Congressmember Judy Chu, Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi, California Attorney General Rob Bonta, Democratic Caucus Chairman Pete Aguilar, Retired Assemblymember Mike Eng, BOLD PAC Chair Congresswoman Linda Sánchez, California Environmental Voters, SEIU California, Democrats Serve, the New Democratic Coalition Action Fund, Operating Engineers Local 12, the International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail, and Transportation Workers, and the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades District Council 36. A full endorsement list can be found here.
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Gil Cisneros is the former Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness, and the Military’s Chief Inclusion and Diversity Officer. A former U.S. Naval Officer, Gil was awarded the Navy Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal (2), the National Defense Medal, and the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal for his exemplary service to his country.
From 2019 to 2021, Cisneros served as U.S. representative for Los Angeles County in California’s 39th Congressional District where he served on the Armed Services and Veterans Affairs committees.
Gil is an advocate and co-founder of The Gilbert & Jacki Cisneros Foundation, an organization committed to improving the level of Hispanic education in the country and the lives of Veterans. Gilbert’s dedication toward philanthropy began when he purchased a winning California Mega Millions lottery ticket in 2010. Gil and Jacki partnered with the Hispanic Scholarship Fund and the city of Pico Rivera, California to create Generation First Degree Pico Rivera, with the goal of putting a college degree in every Hispanic household in the city. Gil’s commitment to education led him to be appointed to former First Lady Michelle Obama’s Reach Higher Initiative’s advisory board.
California’s 31st is an open Congressional District in Los Angeles County covering the San Gabriel Valley. Incumbent Congressmember Grace Napolitano is retiring. The district includes all or part of the Cities of Azusa, Baldwin Park, Bradbury, City of Industry, Covina, Duarte, El Monte, Glendora, Irwindale, La Puente, La Verne, Monrovia, San Dimas, South El Monte, and West Covina. 51.2% of the registered voters in CA-31 identify as Latino, and 15.3% are of Asian or Pacific Islander descent.
Gil Cisneros is a former Navy officer and the use of his military rank, job titles and photographs in uniform does not imply endorsement by the Department of the Navy or the Department of Defense.
