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Adrian Fontes, Everytown-Supported Gun Sense Candidate, Wins in Arizona

November 11, 2022

Everytown for Gun Safety Victory Fund Supported Adrian Fontes As Part of Everytown’s $1 Million Investment in Secretaries of State Elections, Successfully Defeating Gun Lobby-Backed Mark Finchem

Moms Demand Action and Students Demand Action Volunteers Made Over Six Million Voter Contacts to Support Gun Sense Candidates Across the Country

PHOENIX — Everytown for Gun Safety Victory Fund and Everytown for Gun Safety Action Fund, and its grassroots networks, Moms Demand Action and Students Demand Action, declared a major victory today as voters rejected gun lobby-backed Mark Finchem and elected Adrian Fontes as Arizona Secretary of State.

“In a state where armed extremists were showing up at polling places and intimidating voters, electing courageous and common-sense leaders like Adrian Fontes is vitally important,” said John Feinblatt, president of Everytown for Gun Safety. “As Secretary of State, Adrian Fontes will do everything in his power to preserve free and fair elections, and he can count on Everytown’s ongoing support.” 

“Adrian Fontes has proven he will put public safety first, which is why our Arizona volunteers were proud to support his candidacy,” said Shannon Watts, founder of Moms Demand Action. “Adrian Fontes will do what it takes to safeguard Arizona against dangerous armed extremism, and ensure that every voice is heard in our elections.”

“Adrian Fontes understands being Secretary of State requires standing up to armed extremists threatening our democracy,” said Teresa Neiberg, a volunteer with the Arizona chapter of Moms Demand Action. “We are excited that Arizonan voters agree that Adrian Fontes, a candidate committed to fighting against gun violence, is the right person to lead our state. We will have his back as they work to pass the common-sense gun laws that Arizona needs.” 

Everytown spent more than $1 million in Secretary of State elections, including support for Adrian Fontes. Moms Demand Action and Students Demand Action volunteers made over six million voter contacts through phone calls, text messages, door knocks, and more across the country this election cycle to support gun sense candidates up and down the ballot. Arizona Moms Demand Action volunteers participated in dozens of activations to support gun sense candidates up and down the ballot, including events for Adrian Fontes.

As part of its efforts this election cycle, Everytown also released polling this fall showing that the vast majority of voters in Arizona support common-sense gun safety laws, including 86% support for background checks on all gun sales. More information on the poll is available here. Read more about Everytown’s electoral engagement in Arizona this cycle here and read more about Everytown’s engagement in Secretaries of State elections this cycle here.

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