GOP Worries Gun Debate Could Cause Suburban Extinction

Republicans have long relied on suburban voters to win elections in certain areas of the country. This proved problematic during the 2018 midterms when suburban voters, especially women, turned out in a huge way for Democratic candidates.

The recent mass shootings  El Paso and Dayton have again shined a light on the issue of gun control. This is typically an issue that is important to women voters. A number of Republicans have expressed worries in recent days on how GOP refusal to enact gun control could hurt the party in 2020.

Dan Eberhart, a large donor to the party said, “Republicans are headed for extinction in the suburbs if they don’t distance themselves from the NRA. The GOP needs to put forth solutions to help eradicate the gun violence epidemic.”

The oil and gas executive continued, “The GOP needs to make several moves such as universal background checks, eliminating loopholes and banning military-style assault weapons to neutralize the issue. Otherwise, Republicans will lose suburban voters just like they did in the midterms on health care.”

Carlos Curbelo a Republican from Florida served as a congressman for 4 years in Florida’s 26th District. The former congressman lost his seat during the wave election of 2018.

Curbelo largely echoed Eberhart’s statements. He also worried about the importance of the issue among younger voters:

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“Every time the country experiences a tragedy of this nature the Republican brand takes a hit,” said the former Representative. Because many, many Americans perceive that Republicans are unwilling to act on gun reform, due to the influence of the NRA and other organizations. A lot of voters, especially young voters, have lost their patience with this issue.”