New York GOP Rep. Chris Jacobs Will Not Seek Re-Election After Gun Control Support Backlash

New York GOP Rep. Chris Jacobs announced on Friday that he would not seek re-election after his support for an assault weapons ban generated backlash within his own party.

Jacobs announced last week, in the wake of a mass shooting in Buffalo, N.Y., that he would back a federal ban on assault weapons and high-capacity magazines, according to the New York Times. Jacobs represents the 27th Congressional District of New York, which includes some of the Buffalo suburbs.

“I can’t in good conscience sit back and say I didn’t try to do something,” he said at the time. Jacobs’ position quickly earned ire from GOP officials and constituents alike and prompted his decision to abandon his reelection bid. He was, however, adamant in his position to back the gun control measures…. (Excerpt from Just the News and The Wisconsin Daily Star)