The Mac Deford campaign today announced that Moms Demand Action, the renowned gun reform advocacy group, has awarded Deford the 2024 Gun Sense Candidate distinction. This acknowledgment highlights Deford's commitment to sensible gun reform laws.
South Carolina has one of the highest rates of gun deaths in the country, and guns remain the leading cause of death among children nationwide. Deford says the South Carolina legislature’s recent move to pass legislation which allows for permitless, concealed, and open carry, only exacerbates the risks to all of our communities. Under this law, individuals can take handguns into most public spaces.
“Amid a crisis where our state leads in one of the highest rates of gun-related deaths, our state legislature has irresponsibly passed permitless carry,” said Deford. “This law is indefensible, eliminating training requirements and essentially basing the public carrying of firearms on an honor system. It’s absurd—our regulations are stricter for liquor than for guns. You can purchase a gun on a Sunday, but you’re prohibited from buying liquor.”
Deford is the only candidate, Democrat or Republican, in the race for the 1st Congressional District to be awarded the distinction as a Gun-Sense Candidate.
As part of his campaign, Deford pledges to push for universal background checks, responsible firearm storage laws, and a national digital gun registry. Deford will also support measures that will remove guns from individuals who pose a risk to themselves and others.
“These aren’t legislative efforts that would take guns from law-abiding citizens," Deford said. "Sensible gun laws are designed to prevent access to firearms by criminals and those who are too young to safely handle a firearm."
For more information about Deford's campaign, visit www.defordforcongress.com.
