Today Moms Demand Action announced that Anna V. Eskamani has been given the distinction as a “Gun Sense Candidate” for her race in Florida House District 47.
Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America is a grassroots movement of Americans fighting for new and stronger solutions to lax gun laws and loopholes. Since its inception after the tragedy at Sandy Hook School, Moms Demand Action has established a chapter in every state of the country and, along with Mayors Against Illegal Guns and the Everytown Survivor Network, is part of Everytown for Gun Safety, the largest gun violence prevention organization in the country with more than four million supporters.
Anna had the following statement to offer in response of this recognition:
“As one of the original founding members of the Florida Coalition to Prevent Gun Violence, I am honored to receive the distinction as a “Gun Sense Candidate” by Moms Demand Action. I have worked alongside our local Moms for the last year, and know that together we will be able to continue pushing for proactive legislation that reduces gun violence and prioritizes public safety over the political agenda of lawmakers and the NRA.”
Anna has been unapologetic and unabashed in her support of gun safety legislation, most recently speaking to her opposition of SB7026 and her support of an state assault weapons ban:
“The survivors and families of the victims clearly stated their demands: assault weapons and large capacity magazines should be banned, and school staff should not be armed in the presence of our children. SB 7026 fails on both these counts, and fails to do right by the lives lost at Parkland, Pulse, and mass shootings everywhere.”
Moms Demand Action provided the following statement in their distinction of Anna as a Gun Sense Candidate:
“Reducing and preventing gun violence is a public safety issue, not a political one. Over 35,000 Americans are killed every year by gun violence and thousands more are injured. Responsible gun owners know that supporting the Second Amendment goes hand in hand with common-sense solutions to reduce gun violence. Thank you again for standing up for gun violence prevention and recognizing gun safety.”
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More About Anna
Anna V. Eskamani is lifelong Orlando Native and daughter of immigrant parents who has worked relentlessly her entire life to protect all members of our community through effective advocacy, bold leadership, and strategic management. A community organizer with a proven track record in building consensus while fighting unapologetically for progressive values, Anna currently serves as the Senior Director of Public Affairs and Communications for Planned Parenthood of Southwest and Central Florida.* She manages a team across 22 counties and is known in the legislature and across the nation as an advocate for women’s health and equality. Anna is also a PhD student in Public Affairs at the University of Central Florida and serves as an Adjunct Professor teaching Intro to Women’s Studies. Tough, authentic and unafraid, Anna is a progressive who has proven herself as a leader who works hard, delivers results, and gets things done.
So far, Anna has earned the endorsement of 37 community leaders and organizations, including an early endorsement from Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer. She was also one of the 48 women featured on the cover of Time magazine last month. When elected, Anna will be the first Iranian-American to serve in the Florida legislature.
*Provided for biographical purposes only