As part of 2026 “The Safety We Deserve” campaign, national gun violence prevention endorses two Illinois leaders committed to delivering the accountability and gun reforms voters demand
WASHINGTON, D.C., February 17, 2026 — Today, the Brady Campaign announced endorsements in two critical Illinois contests, backing candidates with proven records of advocating for and advancing gun violence prevention policies.
These endorsements are part of Brady’s 2026 “The Safety We Deserve” campaign – a national effort to turn out voters and elect leaders at the local, state, and federal levels who will deliver gun industry accountability and sensible gun reforms in office.
“We urge voters to send Cleopatra Cowley and Adam Braun to Springfield to build on Illinois’ record of gun safety progress in the legislature. They are champions who have proven that they will take on the tough fights and hold the gun industry accountable,” said Kris Brown, Brady President.
“Cleopatra Cowley knows the heartache that no parent should ever bear in the loss of her daughter Hadiya to preventable gun violence. She has transformed her grief into action and she fights every single day for systemic change and a brighter future for every Illinois family,” Brown continued.
“Adam Braun’s record on public safety is unimpeachable, and his leadership as Deputy Attorney General and beyond has saved countless lives. We are eager to work with Adam as the next State Representative for the 13th District,” Brown said.
Brady will mobilize grassroots supporters and make strategic investments this cycle.
Brady-Endorsed Illinois Candidates include:
Cleopatra Cowley (HD-34)
Cleopatra Cowley is a mother and national gun violence prevention leader. Her daughter, Hadiya Pendleton, was killed by preventable gun violence on January 29, 2013 in Chicago’s Harsh Park. This is Cowley’s first run for elected office.
Adam Braun (HD-13)
Adam Braun is a parent and a long-time gun violence prevention leader in Illinois. As Deputy Attorney General, he aggressively took on gun trafficking and other issues to keep children and communities safe. His efforts led to the General Assembly passing the Firearm Industry Responsibility Act in 2023, holding the industry accountable for unlawful sales and marketing tactics.
###
Brady has one powerful mission — to unite all Americans against gun violence. We work across Congress, the courts, and our communities with over 90 grassroots chapters, bringing together young and old, red and blue, and every shade of color to find common ground in common sense. In the spirit of our namesakes Jim and Sarah Brady, we have fought for over 45 years to take action, not sides, and we will not stop until this epidemic ends. It’s in our hands.
Share:
Share Brady Campaign Backs Battle-Tested Leaders in Key Illinois House Races on Facebook. Share Brady Campaign Backs Battle-Tested Leaders in Key Illinois House Races on Bluesky. Share Brady Campaign Backs Battle-Tested Leaders in Key Illinois House Races on Linkedin.