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CURRENT DISTINCTIONS | 2025
Blaizen buckshot bloom
Virginia House of Delegates, 89th Distict
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
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 DISTINCTIONS
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!