Are you running for office?
Teachers Unify to End Gun Violence Action (TUA) is dedicated to recognizing candidates running for local, state, and federal office who support common sense and evidence-informed gun violence prevention (GVP) legislation and practices that will make our schools and communities safer. We proudly name these candidates our "Honor Roll" Candidates.
Please note: Although the Teachers Unify Action Honor Roll distinction is not an "endorsement," it's a way to recognize and amplify candidates committed to raising the voices of educators on the issue of gun violence and taking action to make school communities safer. Endorsements my be given after careful review by our team on a case-by-case basis.
Complete our Teachers Unify Action Questionnaire.
ENDORSEMENTS 2025/2026
Lauren Jewett
Louisiana, US Congress - District 1
As a public school teacher for over 16 years who has been personally and profoundly impacted by gun violence—losing four students and witnessing the lasting trauma it brings into our schools, Lauren understands, firsthand, how gun violence harms children, families, and educators. She is committed to bringing these stories to Congress to fight for common-sense gun safety.
Karen McDonald
Michigan Attorney General
Karen McDonald, a former teacher, is the first candidate Teachers Unify Action has endorsed in any state attorney general race. Karen says, “educators need to be at the forefront of our gun violence conversation if we are going to solve this public health crisis.”
When tragedy struck at Oxford High School in 2021, Karen sat with the families of victims and turned her community’s grief into bold action. Securing landmark convictions in the Oxford prosecutions was incredibly important, but she didn’t stop there. Karen subsequently launched the Commission to Address Gun Violence, engaging a cross-cutting group of experts to identify actionable, community-based solutions. Following that, Karen created the foundation All of Us, because far too often individuals in distress fall through the cracks and aren’t noticed until after shots have been fired and a school, city, or workplace becomes a trending hashtag on social media.
Karen’s actions send a clear message: as a state and a country—we can do more to prevent gun violence.
Honor Roll Candidates 2025/2026
Nick Vivio
Missouri’s 2nd Congressional District
As a Columbia-trained epidemiologist, Nick follows research closely. The evidence is clear: states that enact foundational gun safety laws see lower rates of firearm deaths. Evidence-based policies such as universal background checks, extreme risk protection orders, safe storage requirements, and child access prevention laws alongside sustained federal investment in community-based violence interruption, restored CDC firearm research funding, hospital-based intervention programs, trauma-informed care, and youth opportunity initiatives will prevent trauma and save lives “As a father of a kindergartener and a public health scientist, gun violence is not an abstract policy debate to me — it is personal and it is preventable.”
Walt Cook
Troy School Board, Michigan
As the Senior Director of Research and Data Science for Detroit Public Schools Community District, Walt leverages his influence to advocate for greater emphasis on school safety and prioritizing family and community engagement. “As a central office administrator, I am committed to the emotional and physical well-being of all students. Part of that is raising awareness of how unsecured firearms will lead to tragedy somewhere and that somewhere could be our community.”
JORDAN BROWN
Texas House of Representatives - District 120
As a public school teacher, Jordan believes students, teachers, and families across Texas deserve real solutions that actually address the cause of gun violence. “We must acknowledge the role of policymakers who consistently stand in the way of meaningful change. When leaders prioritize the interests of the gun lobby over the safety of children, educators, and communities, the consequences show up in our schools and neighborhoods.”
Leticia Gutierrez
Texas, Congressional District 9
Leticia’s candidacy centers on addressing gun violence as a public health crisis that disproportionately affects Black and brown communities. These communities often face compounded challenges: systemic inequities, under-resourced schools, limited access to mental health care, and environmental stressors—all of which exacerbate the impact of gun violence. “Policies must consider race, immigration status, income, and community resources to be effective. I aim to elevate voices of students, educators, parents, and local leaders to co-create prevention strategies that are culturally competent, trauma-informed, and community-driven. By approaching gun violence through a lens of equity and public health, my campaign seeks to reduce harm, strengthen community resilience, and advocate for policies that protect lives and opportunities in the neighborhoods most affected.”
Brittany black
Texas House of Representatives - District 61
As a tutor and mentor in under-resourced community schools, Brittany has seen firsthand how school safety concerns affect our students' ability to learn and our educators' ability to teach. “Educators are on the front lines of this issue — they understand the daily reality of lockdown drills, security concerns, and the emotional toll on students.”
With nearly 20 years solving complex problems in large-scale systems, Brittany approaches challenges with data and expertise. She also knows that the best solutions come from listening to those closest to the issue. “Educators rarely get a genuine seat at the table on policy decisions that directly affect their classrooms. I'm committed to changing that……Our students deserve better.”
Greg Jackson
Washington DC, Council At-Large
As a survivor of gun violence who has mentored young people in neighborhoods deeply impacted by shootings, Greg has seen firsthand how violence compounds existing inequities in housing, education, health, and economic opportunity.
If elected, Greg will ensure educators have a structured and meaningful seat at the table in public safety discussions by convening cross-sector working sessions, strengthening formal consultation between schools and the Council, and requiring agencies to show how educators shape violence‑prevention programs. Effective, lasting safety depends on schools being full partners—not sidelined voices.
oye owolewa
Washington DC, Council At-Large
As an ANC Commissioner and the District’s US Representative, Oye has consistently acted to protect housing affordability. Oye has fought for DC Statehood and advocated for policies that put residents over monied interests. As a pharmacist, Dr. Oye has been a trusted voice for restoring DC Medicaid and protecting access to care. Oye does this work because District residents deserve leadership that shows up, delivers, and fights for them.
Ahmed KArrar
Illinois State Senator - 14th District
As a lawmaker, Ahmed is committed to addressing longstanding socioeconomic disparities. Issues like lack of economic opportunity and gaps in mental health services create conditions where violence can take root. He recognizes that gun violence is one of the most urgent public health and public safety crises facing our communities. “For decades, it has disproportionately harmed neglected neighborhoods, particularly Black and brown communities, but today its impact cuts across geography, race, and class.”
Gena Ozols
Colorado House of Representatives - District 3
As a women's advocate who has lost several members of her community to gun violence, Gena has seen how guns not only harm people within our schools, but how they are also disproportionately used against women and kids. She says, “Gun violence is an unending terror across America, but particularly within Colorado.”
Gena commits to prioritizing the voices and realities of teachers, administrators, and union leaders. Last year, Gena was proud to work on and support the campaign "Yes on Prop KK" which established funds for women harmed by gun violence.
Sabrina Newby
Georgia State Representative - District 168
Sabrina recognizes that educators are on the front lines of school safety, and their voices must shape our solutions. She has spoken with educators who fear for their students’ safety and parents who worry every time their child walks out the door. Sabrina is committed to uplifting school community voices through an Educator Advisory Council focused on gun violence prevention and will hold regular listening sessions to ensure teachers and staff have a real seat at the table.
As a firearm owner, Sabrina believes in smart, safe, and accountable gun ownership.“I’m committed to advancing legislation that protects our communities, especially our children, from the devastating impact of gun violence.”
keith O. Williams
Alabama House of Representatives – District 55
Keith has served as a substitute teacher in Birmingham City Schools for over five years and, during that time, has seen firsthand the challenges teachers, staff, and administrators face every day, including the emotional toll of dealing with students impacted by gun violence.
He recognizes that these essential partners in prevention must be included meaningfully in policy discussions, forums, and advisory groups. By creating ongoing communication channels and acting on educator feedback, he commits to ensuring school‑safety strategies reflect the lived realities of those in classrooms every day.
Demi palecek
Illinois State Representative - District 13
As a military member, Demi knows firsthand how weapons should be off our streets and out of classrooms. And as a legislator, that is what she will fight for. She plans to center educators in all school‑safety and gun‑violence prevention policy by holding regular listening sessions, ensuring educator participation in legislative processes, and prioritizing resources like counselors, mental health services, and trauma‑informed practices over punitive measures.
Demi will ensure educators lead gun‑violence prevention efforts through direct legislative access, testimony, and regular consultation with teachers, school staff, and administrators. By collaborating closely with the Chicago Teachers Union and the Illinois Education Association, she aims to advance policies that prioritize counselors, mental health supports, restorative practices, and the resources educators say truly make schools safer.
Jon Lloyd
Pennsylvania State Representative - District 40
Jon believes that our children and educators should feel safe in school and be supported by common-sense legislation and other prevention methods to help keep our communities safe.
“I am focused on addressing both the immediate need for common-sense gun safety measures and the root causes of violence by investing in community-based prevention, mental health services, and economic stability so every community has the chance to be safe and thrive.”
He is committed to hosting regular educator‑focused town halls to hear directly from teachers, staff, and administrators as a community. Jon would uplift these vital voices to bridge the gap between educators and state decision‑makers by carrying those concerns into the legislative process.
Brian Varela
New Jersey, Congressional District 7
Brian is committed to centering educators in efforts to prevent gun violence by organizing congressional town halls, roundtables, and ongoing communication channels that amplify teacher and administrator perspectives in public discourse and policymaking. By creating a dedicated education liaison and institutionalizing educator input, he aims to make school‑safety policy collaborative, community‑driven, and grounded in the needs of students and teachers.
“I, like so many Americans, have been forced to bear witness to horrible events nationwide from Sandy Hook to Uvalde. These events are heartbreaking tragedies that we must work to prevent. I will unwaveringly fight to prevent gun violence in all of its many, terrible forms in Congress.”
Sam Grube
Ohio , House of Representatives, District 18
Preventing gun violence is an issue at the center of Sam’s platform. He meets with local leaders, including superintendents, across his district and the importance of ending the violence plaguing his community resonates. Sam is learning the ways schools are working to increase civic education, student safety, and outreach programs that save lives. He is committed to bring this community-centric approach to the rest of the state.
Sally Busby
Indiana State House, District 78
As an educator in Memphis for 15 years, Sally understands the complexities and impact of active shooter drills. She has stood in front of her classroom and thought about where she would position her body to protect her students. Sally says, “No teacher should have to think that way. No child should have to practice hiding from a gunman. This is not normal, and it is not acceptable.”
Ricky TwigGs, Jr.
Mayor of New Orleans, LA
Ricky is a Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor (LPC-S) and a survivor of gun violence.
He says, “Guns are now the leading cause of death for children in Louisiana, and New Orleans holds the nation’s highest murder rate. As a trauma counselor I’ve watched teenagers relive the sound of gunfire in therapy, mothers choose between funeral costs and rent, and neighborhoods lose their public space to fear. Preventing gun violence isn’t just a public-safety goal; it is a public-health imperative that determines whether our city can keep families, attract businesses, and heal its civic soul.”
Erika thomas
Timpanogos School Board, UT, Seat 2
Erika has been an educator for the past 18 years and is committed to amplifying educator voices on the issue of gun violence.
She says, “Utah is one of the most permissible gun states in the Union. Over half of our gun incidents involve high schools or k-12 schools. I will work to ensure our schools are safe, students have optimal learning environments, and teachers are supported.”
Justice Horn
Jackson County Legislature, MO, 1st District At Large
Justice says, “Gun violence isn’t just a statistic—it’s a crisis that’s taken too many lives, especially young Black men who should be here running for office alongside me. I’ve been to far too many funerals of my peers, and each loss is a reminder that our county must act with urgency. As a Gen Z multiracial candidate, I understand that preventing gun violence isn’t just about policy—it’s about equity, opportunity, and saving lives.”
He says, “Educators, school staff, and administrators are the backbone of our communities, yet their voices are often left out of critical decisions that shape the future of our schools. I will ensure they have a seat at the table.”
Liz Winer
Cheney, WA, School Board Director, District 2 (Winner)
Liz is a mom, a teacher, and the wife of a professor.
She says, “Students should always feel safe at school. I’m tired of hearing about yet another school shooting happening and nothing changing as a result….students deserve to be safe from gun violence at home and at school.”
Liz values the importance of a strong relationship between administration and teachers, ensuring all voices are heard with open communication.
Deyanira Nevarez Martinez
Lansing City, MI, Council Ward 2 (Winner)
Gun violence prevention is deeply personal to Deyanira. She lost a friend a colleague to a gun when Congresswoman Gabby Giffords was shot. And as a professor at Michigan State University and faculty advisor to her sorority, Deyanira supported one of her students who was shot during the mass shooting on their campus.
She says, “As a professor, a school board member, and someone whose own campus experienced a mass shooting, I understand how critical it is to center the voices of educators, school staff, and administrators in conversations about gun violence.”
Amanda Quillin
Chesapeake, Virginia, School Board (Winner)
Amanda, an educator, understands “how often those closest to our students are left out of conversations about safety, even though they’re on the first line of defense and support.”
She says, “I believe policy must be informed by the lived experiences of those in our schools every day. I will actively create space for educators and staff to speak on issues of school safety and gun violence prevention.”
Tanya Cook
CA State Assembly, District 70
For Tanya, gun violence prevention isn’t just policy—it’s personal.
She says, “A close friend lost his son in the Uvalde shooting, and I carry that pain with me every day on this campaign. No parent should fear sending their child to school, and no child should be afraid to learn. We need common sense gun laws that protect our communities and keep firearms out of dangerous hands.”
Rafael A. Perez
San Diego, CA, City Council, District 8
Rafael lost a family member in a mass shooting, so this is an issue that’s personal and important to him. As a college adjunct and an active member of his teachers’ union, he is committed to using his platform and connections to help curb gun violence.
He says, “Gun violence is a public health crisis rooted in systemic neglect of Black and Brown communities.”
Ivan Diaz
MI Senate District 29
Ivan is committed to elevating the voices of educators and exploring all pathways to curb gun violence.
He says, “I constantly fight to uplift the experiences that my community has had with gun violence in an effort to fix it. We have constant violence in our communities and our politicians have the power to do something about it.”
JEREMY RODDEN
Chesapeake, Virginia, School Board
Jeremy believes that teachers deserve a seat at the table when it comes to decisions about safety — both locally and nationally. As a former educator and union member, and as an advocate for marginalized communities, he understands and is committed to communities who are disproportionately affected by gun violence.
Blaizen buckshot bloom
Virginia House of Delegates, 89th District
Blaizen attended public school in the district in which he’s running and calls himself a member of the “Parkland generation who viscerally understands the fear gun violence introduces and the absolute necessity of protecting students and teachers—it erodes the very foundation of a safe learning environment.”
He says, “The voices of educators, school staff, and administrators are too often overlooked, despite being on the front lines. I believe they are essential stakeholders, and assuring them a genuine ‘seat at the table’ is crucial.
Jonathan Redeker
NY, Orange County Legislator, District 2 (Winner)
Jonathan is a 20-year veteran educator who is committed to working to curtail the scourge of gun violence in Orange County and beyond.
He says, “Educators are key voices in speaking out against gun violence. Too often, we are on the front lines of the battle in horrific incidents in schools, but no one listens to us. I would work with teachers and the teachers’ unions to help get more support in legislation changes.”
pAST CANDIDATES OF DISTINCTION | 2024
Liz Barker
Sarasota, FL School Board (Winner)
As a mother of four young children, Liz believes that the threat of gun violence - particularly in our schools - is the most important issue of our time.
She adds, “the fact that firearm related injuries continue to be the leading cause of death for children in the United States, despite being preventable (and considered to be a public health crisis by the US Department of Education), is outrageous.”
Jacinta Greene
Alexandria, VA City Council (Winner)
Jacinta Greene is the proven leader we need on the Alexandria City Council. As two-term school board member and Former Vice Chair of the Board, she has pushed to improve Alexandria Public Schools, while serving as a champion for both our students and teachers. If elected to the City Council, Jacinta will use her experience on the school board, her time as a community leader, as well as her work in corporate America and as a business consultant to fight to preserve what is great about Alexandria and ensure more people can share in.
Lauren Jewett
Louisiana Democratic State Central Committee (Winner)
"I have lost five students to gun violence during my fifteen years of teaching, with four of those students being in just the last five years. I understand the complexities of grief and emotional difficulty that gun violence has on our classrooms.”
Valerie Simutis
Local School Board Chicago High School (Winner)
"As a Black woman and a survivor, (the issue of gun violence) is personal to me. The seat I'm seeking has a direct impact on students and the school staff. The student body at the high school is primarily Latinx and Black so it’s important that the decisions being made keep in mind the importance of safety for the students, staff and the surrounding community."
John Arthur
Utah State Board of Education: District 7
"As an educator of color in a beautifully diverse, culturally rich Title I school, I have seen over and over again the devastating immediate and long-term impacts gun violence has had on our community. When I have a seat on our state school board, I will be in a position to positively contribute to the crafting of school safety policies that keep children in our communities of color safer from the disproportionately high rates of gun violence and firearm related crime. I will also support policies that bring greater mental health professionals into our schools to help us prevent gun violence before it happens.
Sarah Harrison
Wisconsin State Assembly: District 15
“Together, we can work towards a future where every child can learn and thrive in a safe environment, free from the threat of gun violence.”
We believe wholeheartedly in this goal and are eager to support Sarah’s work as an ardent community advocate. Let’s go, Sarah!
Rhiannon Ford
Osbourn, AZ Governing Board (Winner)
“Together, we can work towards a future where every child can learn and thrive in a safe environment, free from the threat of gun violence.”
We believe wholeheartedly in this goal and are eager to support Sarah’s work as an ardent community advocate. Let’s go, Sarah!
Emily Busch
Michigan’s 10th Congressional District
“In the two years since the shooting at my son’s high school advocating for gun violence prevention measures to be taken at the local, state and federal levels has become the centerpiece of my personal and professional world.”
“In addition to the compounded impact of living in a constant state of fear of being harmed or killed by gun violence, gun violence remains the number one killer of kids in the United States.”
Emily Busch will fight for common sense measures to make our schools and communities safer. Follow and support her today!