Guns and our Community
Families in Northern California are exhausted from living with the fear of losing their loved ones to gun violence. For years, firearms have remained the leading cause of death for children and teens in the United States—a staggering reality that is deeply personal to many in our community. While some politicians treat this as a partisan debate, families are left to bury their children while corporate gun manufacturers rake in record profits.
This isn't just about constitutional rights; it’s about a system fixed to favor lobbyists. The gun lobby has used the Second Amendment as a smokescreen to protect the interests of manufacturers who profit every time these guns are used in a mass shooting and subsequently featured in the news. I believe we can respect the rights of responsible gun owners while enacting the common-sense safety laws that the vast majority of Americans support.
When I’m in Congress, I will:
Implement Universal Background Checks: I will work to close the gun show and online loopholes that allow firearms to fall into the hands of those who shouldn't have them.
Raise the Purchasing Age: We must raise the minimum age to purchase a firearm to 21 across the board to match the responsibility required for such a purchase.
Support Red Flag Laws: I will champion Extreme Risk Protection orders that empower families and law enforcement to act before a tragedy occurs.
Mandate Common-Sense Safety Standards: I will fight for federal requirements for mandatory safety locks and secure storage, ensuring that firearms are treated with the same safety oversight as the cars we drive.
Invest in Community Healing: We must provide adequate federal funding for community violence intervention, school-based trauma services, and mental health care to address the root causes of this epidemic.
Hold the Industry Accountable: I will work to ensure gun ownership requires coursework and periodic renewals, and I will stand against the corporate immunity that allows manufacturers to ignore public safety for their bottom line.
In CA-02, we will stand up together against the gun lobby. It is time to lead with courage and compassion, because our children’s lives are worth fighting for.