This week, the National Rifle Association (NRA) Political Victory Fund - an organization that backs dangerous laws that make it easier for criminals to carry hidden weapons and opposes commonsense gun safety measures like gun-free zones near schools and hospitals, universal background checks, and restrictions on assault-style weapons - officially endorsed Winsome Earle-Sears, John Reid, and Jason Miyares. 

Their endorsement is a stark reminder that the GOP statewide ticket will not prioritize the safety of Virginians. Instead of working to prevent gun violence and save lives, they’re committed to supporting a dangerous agenda that blocks legislation designed to keep guns out of the wrong hands.

“The NRA’s endorsement of the GOP statewide ticket makes one thing clear: they will not protect Virginians or create a safer Commonwealth,” said DPVA Communications Director Kelsey Carolan. “We’ve seen the consequences when guns fall into the wrong hands – children shot at school, an increase in domestic violence, and communities shattered by senseless tragedy. Virginians deserve leaders like Abigail Spanberger, Ghazala Hashmi, and Jay Jones who are committed to keeping Virginia’s communities safe.”

Here’s how Winsome Earle-Sears, John Reid, and Jason Miyares have failed to protect Virginians:

• Sears campaigned on repealing any red flag gun law if she were elected lieutenant governor and was callous in the wake of the Uvalde, Texas shooting, speaking at an NRA event in Texas just days after the tragedy and blaming it on “emasculated men.” 
• Sears also accused Richmond local leaders of taking advantage of a mass shooting at a high school graduation to push gun control and said “They are trying to hoodwink the people. […] these crocodile tears aren't saving any lives.”
• Reid opposes gun-free zones near schools and supports allowing guns on college campuses.
• Miyares voted against universal background checks in Virginia for all gun transfers to close loopholes that let criminals gain access to firearms and against a bill banning domestic abusers from owning firearms.
• Miyares voted against banning assault weapons in Virginia and against a ban on trigger activator devices on semiautomatic firearms, which are so dangerous that the Trump administration banned them nationwide.
• In the wake of the 2019 Virginia Beach shooting that left 12 dead, Miyares voted to “abruptly” adjourn a special session after just 90 minutes that was called by the Republican-controlled General Assembly to debate gun safety – and then “went home without taking any action on legislation.”