Giffords, the gun violence prevention organization founded by former U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, endorsed MJ Hegar, one of 12 Democrats running for the U.S. Senate seat occupied by Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas.

Hegar supports universal background checks, enacting extreme risk protection orders, and closing the “boyfriend loophole,” which gives physically abusive partners and stalkers access to guns.

The former Air Force combat search and rescue medevac pilot also supports a ban on assault-style weapons.

"As a fellow survivor of gun violence, I have so much respect for Gabby Giffords and the work this organization is doing to end the senseless gun violence epidemic plaguing our communities,“ Hegar said in a statement. ”I am proud to partner with them in the fight to pass common-sense gun safety legislation and give Texans the freedom to send their kids to school, go to movies, shop in stores and walk through parks without having to be vigilant for threats.“

It‘s not clear that the endorsement means the group will financially support Hegar. The group has endorsed candidates in other races.

Giffords executive director Peter Ambler noted that Cornyn has accepted campaign cash from the National Rifle Association. Cornyn has an A rating from the NRA.

“Whether it’s Sutherland Springs, Santa Fe High School, or El Paso, Sen. Cornyn’s playbook has remained the same: pay lip service to change but ultimately side with the gun lobby,” Ambler said in a statement. “MJ Hegar has the toughness and tenacity to make real progress on strengthening our gun laws.”

Hegar has received some pushback for her gun stances. Two of Hegar‘s opponents criticized her in October for saying she was “not convinced” Beto O’Rourke‘s mandatory gun buyback proposal would be effective.

O‘Rourke, who ended his presidential campaign in November, called for government buybacks of assault-style rifles in the wake of the El Paso mass shooting.

Giffords‘ decision, announced Thursday, to back Hegar marks the latest endorsement from a national group for her campaign.

In December, the powerful Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee endorsed Hegar. The group has endorsed candidates in other states, including Iowa, North Carolina and Colorado.

Hegar received more national support in the form of a $3.3 million TV ad buy earlier this month. The Texas Tribune first reported that VoteVets’ buy includes a 30-second spot that highlights how Hegar has “taken on the toughest fights.”

Other Democratic candidates include state Sen. Royce West of Dallas, former Houston City Council Member Amanda Edwards, former U.S. Rep. Chris Bell of Houston and Austin-based activist and organizer Cristina Tzintz�n Ramirez.

Cornyn faces four lightly-funded Republican rivals.

The primaries are March 3.