YORK & HARRISBURG - CeaseFirePA is noting the stunning victories of two leaders for common sense handgun safety reform in Pennsylvania with the Democratic Mayoral primary victories of City Council President Linda Thompson in Harrisburg and Kim Bracey in York.  Linda Thompson defeated Mayor Steve Reed – a 28-year incumbent - and Bracey bested stiff competition for the open seat soon to be vacated by current Mayor John Brenner.

While both races addressed many issues, particularly the state of Pennsylvania’s sagging economy, the two winning campaigns hinged in part on the candidates’ willingness come out strongly in support of common sense reforms to reduce access to illegal guns – in particular, each candidate was a vocal advocate for reporting lost or stolen handguns to the police.

Thompson’s win in Harrisburg - Standing up to the NRA and protecting the people of Harrisburg

In April, as President of Harrisburg City Council, Linda Thompson led a unanimous Council vote in adopting a lost or stolen handgun reporting law – despite fierce opposition from the NRA. Other local officials, including the mayor, waited on the sidelines – fearing NRA reprisals. Not Thompson. She heard the voices of Harrisburg’s citizens – tired of fearing their own streets and calling out for change. Thompson said she could “no longer sit by idly and hope and pray state officials stop playing it safe.” When confronted with threats of an NRA lawsuit – she responded plainly, “We’ve been sued by better.”

Bracey’s breakthrough win in York: Supporting lost or stolen handgun reporting

In York, Kim Bracey was vocal in her support for a lost or stolen handgun reporting requirement in her own city – a measure which current Mayor John Brenner also supports.  In the midst of a hotly contested primary, Bracey ignored threats from the NRA and the gun lobby, and instead chose to listen to the cries of York’s residents calling out for reform. Less than two weeks prior to the election, 9-year-old Ciara Savage was caught in the crossfire of two rival gangs – and murdered. The gun used in the fatal incident was an illegally-obtained handgun. While others cowered, Kim Bracey stood up for common sense reform – in order to do everything possible to prevent such tragedy from striking again.

“Council President Thompson’s stunning win in Harrisburg, and Kim Bracey’s historic victory in York, demonstrate that candidates in Pennsylvania can run on the gun violence prevention issue and win elections,” said Joe Grace, executive director of CeaseFirePA. “Demonstrating political courage and supporting common sense reforms like lost or stolen handgun reporting leads to strong support from Pennsylvania voters at the polls. That’s the clear message of these elections. It’s very encouraging.”