Salud Carbajal Is the Only Choice

As my time in office comes to a close, I have been reflecting on the many challenges that continue to face our community and nation. Chief among them is the need to address gun violence.

Recently I was honored to speak at a film screening hosted by the Coalition Against Gun Violence and was pleased to be joined by congressional candidate Salud Carbajal. Gun issues are often a topic that candidates shy away from on the campaign trail, but not Salud. That’s because he understands that our country is facing an epidemic — one that has devastated communities in every state — including our own Isla Vista.

Two-and-a-half years after our community came together in the wake of the shooting in I.V. to declare “Not One More” life should be lost to gun violence, the sadness we felt at the time has turned into a deep frustration. A frustration that little has been done at the federal level to prevent future tragedies.

We know that an overwhelming majority of Americans, including gun owners, support commonsense safety measures like universal background checks.

During my career, I have been proud to fight for commonsense reforms. And proud to be part of a growing movement — one that will not sit idly by while our communities grieve. But too many in Congress lack the courage to stand up to special interests like the NRA and pass even the most basic gun safety measures.

And Justin Fareed, who is endorsed by the NRA and accepted their campaign contributions, would simply continue this dysfunction.

That is why we need a Representative who will stand up to the gun lobby and support reforms to keep our community safe. That person is Salud Carbajal.

Salud understand that if we chose to do nothing, nothing will change. In this election, the choice couldn’t be clearer. I hope you will join me in voting for Salud.