Michigan Democratic Congresswoman Elissa Slotkin wants to take over Stabenow’s seat when the senator leaves at the end of next year.
Slotkin has also had two mass shootings in her current congressional district – at Oxford High School and Michigan State University.
Now former Congresswoman Gabby Giffords, a victim of gun violence herself, is endorsing Slotkin.
Giffords' political action committee says Slotkin is the first federal candidate they’ve thrown their support to in this election cycle.
Both women called for gun reform laws at an event several months ago in Lansing.
Slotkin is part of a crowded field of senatorial candidates that includes, among others, actor Hill Harper, Dearborn businessman Nasser Beydoun, and state Board of Education member Nikki Snyder.