Patty Murray, Gabby Giffords Endorse Jenny Durkan

Jenny Durkan at her campaign kickoff in May. nate gowdy

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Two more big-name endorsements this week for mayoral candidate Jenny Durkan: U.S. Senator Patty Murray and former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, who has created a PAC focused on gun violence.

Durkan, a former U.S. attorney and more recently a corporate lawyer, is crushing her opponent Cary Moon in fundraising and support from independent expenditure groups (largely funded by the Chamber of Commerce). Durkan has also been endorsed by other high profile Democrats like Governor Jay Inslee and Washington State Attorney General Bob Ferguson.

Murray made her Trump-focused case for Durkan in a Medium post:

Jenny represents the exact opposite of President Trump, and it would send an incredible signal if she were elected and make it clear that wherever President Trump is trying to take America, Seattle is going somewhere else. As first openly gay US Attorney, Jenny she has dedicated her career to fighting hatred and bringing people together, working hard and delivering actual results, and standing up for the most vulnerable families against discrimination and hate crimes. Can you think of a time when this has been needed more than right now?

Giffords issued a statement by email in support of Durkan and two other mayoral candidates:

Our nation’s mayors have an important role to play in combating gun violence and advancing solutions to make communities safer, and I believe Jenny Durkan, Tim Keller, and Marty Walsh are best qualified to lead the way on that life saving challenge. Last year, over 36,000 Americans were killed by guns. With far too many elected officials caught in the grip of the gun lobby at the federal level, it’s never been more important for state and local leaders to step up and lead the fight against gun violence. In the years ahead, I look forward to working alongside each of these committed, thoughtful public servants to make our country a better and safer place to live. Our nation needs strong leaders like Jenny Durkan, who are not only supportive of gun safety measures, but are committed to setting an example—and a legal precedent—for the rest of the country. As mayor, I am confident that Jenny will continue to work tirelessly to make Seattle’s communities safer from gun violence.