Former Rep. Beto O’RourkeBeto O’RourkeBiden will help close out Texas Democrats’ virtual convention: report O’Rourke on Texas reopening: ‘Dangerous, dumb and weak’ Parties gear up for battle over Texas state House MORE (D-Texas) canceled Saturday and Monday presidential campaign stops in Nevada to go back to his hometown after a shooting that resulted in multiple fatalities at a Walmart in El Paso, Texas.

“Beto O’Rourke has cancelled his scheduled events in Nevada and California and will immediately return home following a tragic shooting in El Paso, Texas,” his campaign said in a statement. 

After learning of the shooting, O’Rourke, who represented El Paso in Congress, delivered a statement on the incident. 

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“I’m incredibly sad, and it is very hard to think about this, but I’ll tell you, El Paso is the strongest place in the world,” he said. “I’m going back there right now to be with my family and to be with my hometown.”

.@BetoORourke delivers emotional statement about shooting in El Paso, Texas, he says he will cut short his campaign trip in Nevada and head to Texas immediately. pic.twitter.com/sPESbpb3tz

— Ben Pu (@BenPu_nbc) August 3, 2019

On Twitter, O’Rourke went on to say he was “devastated” by what happened in El Paso.

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“Our strength is with the families who are grieving. Our thanks to EPPD. Our commitment is with those who will change this country so that this doesn’t happen again,” he continued. “This beautiful amazing courageous community will overcome.”

I am devastated by what has happened in El Paso today. Our strength is with the families who are grieving. Our thanks to EPPD. Our commitment is with those who will change this country so that this doesn’t happen again. This beautiful amazing courageous community will overcome.

— Beto O’Rourke (@BetoORourke) August 3, 2019

El Paso is one of the strongest places in the world—and if there were ever a moment to be strong, it’s this one. Strong for one another, for the families who have lost somebody, and for the first responders. Please go to https://t.co/ecw9y18OSP to support our community. pic.twitter.com/FFgLPbXNIY

— Beto O’Rourke (@BetoORourke) August 3, 2019

A police source told local news station KTSM that 18 people were killed. The El Paso Police Department confirmed to the outlet that there were multiple fatalities but did not say how many. 

Police said one person was in custody and that there were not thought be other suspects. 

O’Rourke is among more than two dozen people running for the 2020 Democratic presidential nomination.

Sen. Kamala HarrisKamala Devi HarrisRand Paul introduces bill to end no-knock warrants The Hill’s Campaign Report: Biden campaign goes on offensive against Facebook McEnany says Juneteenth is a very ‘meaningful’ day to Trump MORE (Calif.), a Democratic presidential candidate, released her first TV advertisement Thursday morning, emphasizing her “3AM Agenda” as she works to gin up support for her campaign.

The ad her plan to tackle issues that wake American families up “in the middle of the night,” noting her proposals to boost teacher pay, rectify the gender income gap, implement her health care reform proposal and tackle gun violence and student debt.

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“She’d work all day then pour her whole heart into Maya and me when she got home. And then, after we were fed and in bed, our mother would sit up trying to figure out how to make it all work,” Harris says in the ad, referencing her mother and sister. “That’s something most Americans know all too well.”

“And that’s what my ‘3AM Agenda’ is all about — a real plan to help you solve those worries,” she adds. “That’s what I’m fighting for — real relief for families like yours. Not in 20 years. Not in 30. Starting my first day as president. Because you’ve waited long enough to get a good night’s sleep.” 

Harris released the ad in Iowa at the start of its state fair and plans a five-day bus tour in the Hawkeye State. The campaign did not specify how much it cost, but noted it is part of a six-figure TV and digital buy in the state this week.

“Instead of ideological or theoretical debates, Senator Harris is focused on an action plan to directly improve the lives of American families,” said spokesman Ian Sams. “Right now, millions of Americans worry about making ends meet each month, getting the health care they need, affording their rent, or whether their child will be a victim of a school shooting the next day, and her agenda directly addresses the issues that keep people up at night.”

Harris is working to boost support for her campaign in the crucial early caucus state and maintain momentum stemming from the first primary debate in June. She saw a rise in the polls following a heated exchange at the time with former Vice President Joe BidenJoe BidenHillicon Valley: Biden calls on Facebook to change political speech rules | Dems demand hearings after Georgia election chaos | Microsoft stops selling facial recognition tech to police Trump finalizing executive order calling on police to use ‘force with compassion’ The Hill’s Campaign Report: Biden campaign goes on offensive against Facebook MORE in which she confronted him over his past opposition to federally mandated school busing. 

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Several of the 25 Democratic candidates will descend on Iowa this week for the can’t-miss Iowa State Fair, a longtime staple of the presidential campaign trail.

White House hopeful Andrew YangAndrew YangGeorge Floyd protests show corporations must support racial and economic equality Andrew Yang discusses his universal basic income pilot program Andrew Yang on the George Floyd protests in Minneapolis MORE unveiled a platform to curb gun violence and tackle hate and white nationalism. 

The plan’s release comes days after a shooter killed 22 people in El Paso, Texas, after authoring a racist manifesto warning of a “Hispanic invasion.” The suspect reportedly told authorities upon his surrender that he was targeting “Mexicans.”

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“Gun violence is a symptom of many underlying diseases. As a people, we need to come together, recognize all causes of gun violence, and implement policies that will combat this scourge,” said Yang, an entrepreneur. “I’m a parent of two young boys. I want to look them in their eyes every day when they walk out our front door and be able to tell them that they’re safe.” 

The multipronged plan leads with improving political rhetoric, with Yang specifically citing President TrumpDonald John TrumpSenate advances public lands bill in late-night vote Warren, Democrats urge Trump to back down from veto threat over changing Confederate-named bases Esper orders ‘After Action Review’ of National Guard’s role in protests MORE’s rhetoric that he says is “continually dehumanizing other people and using violent imagery and jokes” that may spark violence.

The entrepreneur vowed he would “be sure to never use dehumanizing language to describe anyone” and call out leaders across the aisle who use offensive rhetoric.

He also says he would establish a central site to aggregate statistics on white nationalism, boost the budget for fighting domestic terrorism to match non-military spending on combating foreign terrorism and invest in nonprofits to help people disengage from white nationalist groups.

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The plan goes on to support popular gun control reforms such as universal background checks and banning assault rifles and curbing the influence of lobbyists, specifically citing the National Rifle Association. 

A number of other Democratic presidential contenders have unveiled their own plans to curb gun violence or tackle white nationalism since the El Paso shooting, including South Bend, Ind., Mayor Pete Buttigieg, former Housing and Urban Development Secretary Julián Castro and Washington Gov. Jay Inslee.

Presidential hopeful Sen. Kamala HarrisKamala Devi HarrisRand Paul introduces bill to end no-knock warrants The Hill’s Campaign Report: Biden campaign goes on offensive against Facebook McEnany says Juneteenth is a very ‘meaningful’ day to Trump MORE (D-Calif.) won the endorsement Thursday of Rep. Marcia FudgeMarcia Louise FudgeThe Hill’s Morning Report – Trump’s public standing sags after Floyd protests The Hill’s Coronavirus Report: Moniz says U.S. needs energy jobs coalition and Manchin says Congress is pushing Wall Street solutions that don’t work for Main Street; Burr to step aside Hillicon Valley: Experts raise security concerns about online voting | Musk finds supporter in Trump | Officials warn that Chinese hackers targeting COVID-19 research groups MORE (D-Ohio), a former chairwoman of the influential Congressional Black Caucus (CBC).

“I am supporting Kamala Harris, she is an excellent candidate,” Fudge announced on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe.” “I think there is no one better to make the case against 45 than Kamala Harris. 

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“I do think she is a person that has the kind of energy, and she’s a new, fresh face. She’s someone [who] when people meet her, people like her.” 

Fudge, who has strong ties to both progressives in the House and members of the Democratic Party’s establishment, gained increased prominence last year after floating a challenge to Nancy PelosiNancy PelosiTrump on collision course with Congress over bases with Confederate names Black lawmakers unveil bill to remove Confederate statues from Capitol Pelosi: Georgia primary ‘disgrace’ could preview an election debacle in November MORE for the Speakership.

She is the tenth CBC member and second former chairperson to endorse Harris, the senator’s campaign said in a press release. 

“I’m excited to have Marcia’s support in this race,” Harris said. “She is a national leader in the fight for the needs of America’s working families including access to quality public education, health care and good-paying jobs. She is a trailblazer and I’m proud she stands with me as we fight to restore truth and justice in America and for bold solutions to the issues that keep Americans up at night.”

Harris and Sen. Cory BookerCory Anthony BookerRand Paul introduces bill to end no-knock warrants Black lawmakers unveil bill to remove Confederate statues from Capitol Harris grapples with defund the police movement amid veep talk MORE (D-N.J.), the other African American Democrat running for president, are jockeying for support from the CBC to help boost their White House bids and increase their support among black voters.

Both have trailed former Vice President Joe BidenJoe BidenHillicon Valley: Biden calls on Facebook to change political speech rules | Dems demand hearings after Georgia election chaos | Microsoft stops selling facial recognition tech to police Trump finalizing executive order calling on police to use ‘force with compassion’ The Hill’s Campaign Report: Biden campaign goes on offensive against Facebook MORE in polling of black voters, as Biden continues to draw from a deep well of support built over decades in Washington and from his close ties to former President Obama.

Harris’s campaign enjoyed a surge of support after the first primary debate in June after the California Democrat hammered Biden on his past opposition to federally mandated busing and comments regarding his ability to cooperate with segregationist senators while in Congress. However, she’s seen her polling numbers plateau in recent weeks, falling behind Biden and Sens. Bernie SandersBernie SandersThe Hill’s 12:30 Report: Milley apologizes for church photo-op Harris grapples with defund the police movement amid veep talk Biden courts younger voters — who have been a weakness MORE (I-Vt.) and Elizabeth WarrenElizabeth WarrenWarren, Democrats urge Trump to back down from veto threat over changing Confederate-named bases OVERNIGHT DEFENSE: Joint Chiefs chairman says he regrets participating in Trump photo-op | GOP senators back Joint Chiefs chairman who voiced regret over Trump photo-op | Senate panel approves 0B defense policy bill Trump on collision course with Congress over bases with Confederate names MORE (D-Mass.). 

“Well, I think right now what you’re seeing is that the people at the top, the top three, are people that everybody knows. And so I think that you’re seeing a lot of name recognition right now,” Fudge said. 

“What Kamala needs to do is keep doing what she is doing. The more she meets people, the more they become engaged, the more they like her. And I think that after Labor Day or getting into the fall, people are going to start to pay more attention and she is going to start to get a bump. I can almost guarantee that that’s going to happen.”

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Sen. Ron WydenRonald (Ron) Lee WydenNursing homes under scrutiny after warnings of seized stimulus checks Hillicon Valley: Senators raise concerns over government surveillance of protests | Amazon pauses police use of its facial recognition tech | FBI warns hackers are targeting mobile banking apps Democratic senators raise concerns over government surveillance of protests MORE (D-Ore.) condemned Republicans on the Federal Election Commission (FEC) after they voted on Friday to block an in-depth investigation into allegations that Russians illegally donated to the National Rifle Association (NRA) in an effort to benefit President TrumpDonald John TrumpSenate advances public lands bill in late-night vote Warren, Democrats urge Trump to back down from veto threat over changing Confederate-named bases Esper orders ‘After Action Review’ of National Guard’s role in protests MORE’s 2016 presidential campaign. 

“A foreign adversary interfered in the 2016 presidential election and the response from Republicans at every level, whether it be President Trump, congressional Republicans, or now the Republican appointees on the Federal Election Commission, has been to bury their heads in the sand or actively obstruct getting to the bottom of what happened,” Wyden said in a written statement provided to Newsweek.

“It’s inexcusable that Republican commissioners would block an investigation into whether Russian money was funneled through the National Rifle Association to help President Trump,” Wyden continued, according to Newsweek. “The blatant partisanship is appalling, undermines our democracy and leaves us vulnerable to continued interference in 2020.”

In March 2018, the FEC launched a preliminary investigation into allegations that Alexander Torshin, a Russian banker and former politician with ties to President Vladimir PutinVladimir Vladimirovich PutinRepublicans release newly declassified intelligence document on FBI source Steele Feehery: How Trump can turn the protests into parades dedicated to making America great again You may pay more at the pump, as OPEC+ cuts oil production MORE, and Maria ButinaMaria ButinaTreasury adviser pleads guilty to making unauthorized disclosures in case involving Manafort Recently jailed Maria Butina rewarded with new show on Russia Today Russia offers Maria Butina a job at human rights commission MORE, who admitted to working as a Russian agent to infiltrate the NRA, made illegal donations to the NRA in an effort for those donations to support Trump’s presidential bid.

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The NRA and its lobbying arm spent a total of $30 million in the 2016 election to support Trump.

On Friday, the FEC deadlocked in a 2-2 vote, failing to find a reason to believe Torshin and Butina made illegal donations and deciding not to take action to investigate the allegations.

FEC Chairwoman Ellen Weintraub also criticized the vote on Friday, saying the FEC was doing “nothing to find out the truth behind one of the most blockbuster campaign finance allegations in recent memory.”

BREAKING: @FEC’s Republicans block all investigation of & enforcement against Russians Torshin & Butina re the NRA & the 2016 presidential election.

Result: FEC does nothing to find out the truth behind one of the most blockbuster campaign finance allegations in recent memory. pic.twitter.com/KgrJLJTuZY

— Ellen L Weintraub (@EllenLWeintraub) August 16, 2019

Commissioner Caroline C. Hunter defended FEC Republicans in a statement to Newsweek, saying it is “forbidden from investigating groups purely based on rank speculation.”

“Once again, Chair Weintraub rejected the advice of the FEC’s lawyers but blames her Republican colleagues. Her statement is long on conjecture and short on the evidence and the law. She relies on an ‘article’ [published by] McClatchy written by the same individuals who inaccurately reported Michael CohenMichael Dean CohenGOP votes to give Graham broad subpoena power in Obama-era probe Will the ‘law and order’ president pardon Roger Stone? Democrats aim to amend Graham subpoena to include Trump allies MORE was in Prague in 2016. The FEC is forbidden from investigating groups purely based on rank speculation.”

Earlier this year, the gun control group Giffords filed a lawsuit against the FEC for not taking action on the investigation. The NRA dismissed the lawsuit and allegations of illegal campaign contributions, telling The Washington Post they “scrupulously follow the law.”

“We scrupulously follow the law,” an NRA spokeswoman told The Post at the time. “This latest effort by Giffords and the Campaign Legal Center is a frivolous lawsuit based on a frivolous complaint.”

The Hill has reached out to the NRA and FEC for comment.

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Washington Gov. Jay InsleeJay Robert InsleeInslee calls on Trump to ‘stay out of Washington state’s business’ Seattle mayor responds to Trump: ‘Go back to your bunker’ Trump warns he will take back Seattle from ‘ugly Anarchists’ if local leaders don’t act MORE (D) announced Thursday he will seek a third term as governor following his decision to end his 2020 presidential bid.

“I want to continue to stand with you in opposing Donald TrumpDonald John TrumpSenate advances public lands bill in late-night vote Warren, Democrats urge Trump to back down from veto threat over changing Confederate-named bases Esper orders ‘After Action Review’ of National Guard’s role in protests MORE and rejecting his hurtful and divisive agenda, while strengthening and enhancing Washington state’s role as a progressive beacon for the nation,” Inslee said in a statement.

“Which is why I’m announcing today my intention to run for a third term as Washington’s governor,” he continued. “I’m excited to do so — because our great success as a state these last few years gives me confidence that we can continue to lead the nation in so many ways.”

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Inslee, who launched his long-shot presidential campaign in March, focused his White House bid on the issue of combating climate change. But he struggled to garner support in the crowded field of candidates and dropped out before the next round of debates in September.

The Washington governor announced late Wednesday that he would be ending his White House bid, telling MSNBC’s Rachel MaddowRachel Anne MaddowWebb: The modern age of dissent versus riot Cable news audience numbers jump amid coronavirus, protests Demings: ‘America is on fire’ and Trump ‘is walking around with gasoline’ MORE that it had “become clear” that he did not have a path to the nomination.

Inslee is the third Democratic presidential primary candidate to drop out of the race, following Rep. Eric SwalwellEric Michael SwalwellNASCAR bans display of Confederate flag from events and properties Gloves come off as Democrats fight for House seat in California Grenell says intelligence community working to declassify Flynn-Kislyak transcripts MORE (D-Calif.) and former Colorado Gov. John HickenlooperJohn HickenlooperGun control group rolls out first round of Senate endorsements The Hill’s Campaign Report: Republicans go on attack over calls to ‘defund the police’ Hickenlooper ethics questions open him up to attack MORE.

Hickenlooper announced on Thursday that he would run for Colorado’s Senate seat, challenging Sen. Cory GardnerCory Scott GardnerSenate advances public lands bill in late-night vote OVERNIGHT ENERGY: Interior faces legal scrutiny for keeping controversial acting leaders in office | White House faces suit on order lifting endangered species protections | Lawmakers seek investigation of Park Police after clearing of protesters The Hill’s Campaign Report: Republicans go on attack over calls to ‘defund the police’ MORE (R-Colo.), while Swalwell will also run for reelection for his House seat.

Three Washington State Democrats – Attorney General Bob Ferguson, Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz and King County Executive Dow Constantine – previously said they would be interested in running for governor if Inslee did not seek reelection.

Meanwhile, three Republicans have entered the state’s GOP primary, including state Sen. Phil Fortunato (R), law enforcement officer Loren Culp and Anton Sakharov. 

A Republican has not won a gubernatorial race in Washington in over 30 years. 

Governors in Washington are not subject to term limits, but most have usually served no more than two terms with the exception of Republican Gov. Dan Evans, who served three terms ending in 1977.

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Ex-Rep. Joe Walsh (R-Ill.), the one-term congressman who is now running a primary challenge against President TrumpDonald John TrumpSenate advances public lands bill in late-night vote Warren, Democrats urge Trump to back down from veto threat over changing Confederate-named bases Esper orders ‘After Action Review’ of National Guard’s role in protests MORE, said Monday that he and the Tea Party movement are “partly responsible” for the rise of Trump.

“I think I’m partly responsible for Trump, and that’s kind of a scary thing to say,” Walsh said Monday in an interview with MSNBC’s “Morning Joe.”

Walsh was elected to Congress in the Tea Party wave of 2010, when opposition to President Obama’s health care bill and stimulus policies were high.

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“We engaged in this politics of personal destruction,” Walsh said of the Tea Party era. “I would demonize my opponents. I would say bad personal things about President Obama, about Muslims, things that I regret.”

“Those personal attacks that we got into too much I think led to the personification of Trump because … that’s all he is. He is one giant, ugly personal attack. He can’t engage in the issues,” he added. “I feel pretty darn responsible for having him in the White House.”

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Walsh similarly said in announcing his campaign Sunday that he “helped create Trump” and said he felt “responsible” for that.

As a congressman, Walsh criticized Obama’s spending policies as government overreach. But he also questioned whether Obama was born in the United States, a claim he continued to make years after he left Congress.

In 2016, Walsh tweeted that he believed Obama was a Muslim and that that was why he “hates Israel.”

“The answer is simple really: I think Obama is Muslim,” Walsh wrote.

“I’ve been saying that for awhile now. It makes the GOP uneasy when I say he’s a Muslim. It makes my radio stations uneasy when I say it. I say it because I believe it.”

Walsh is the second person to challenge Trump for the Republican presidential nomination. Former Massachusetts Gov. Bill WeldWilliam (Bill) WeldVermont governor, running for reelection, won’t campaign or raise money The Hill’s Campaign Report: Amash moves toward Libertarian presidential bid Libertarians view Amash as potential 2020 game changer for party MORE (R) is also campaigning to unseat Trump.

Senior Merkel ally urges action over Bulgaria’s corruption crisis

CDU committee chair Gunther Krichbaum says developments in the country are ‘unacceptable.’

Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borissov’s efforts to hang on to power amid a spiraling corruption crisis face an unexpected new challenge after a top ally of German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Tuesday urged closer scrutiny of Sofia.

For years, Borissov has enjoyed a close alliance with Merkel, and his importance to her center-right European People’s Party grouping on the European stage has triggered numerous accusations that Brussels and Berlin turn a blind eye to the Balkan nation’s rule of law problems.

In a sign that the tide could be turning, however, Gunther Krichbaum, a senior lawmaker from Merkel’s Christian Democratic Union (CDU) urged the EPP and the European Commission to pay closer attention to Bulgaria.

The chair of the Bundestag’s European affairs committee said: “We have to talk seriously with Boyko Borissov’s government, without any ifs and buts.”

“Bulgaria is meanwhile seen as the most corrupt state in Europe. That cannot be. These things are unacceptable,” Krichbaum told POLITICO in a telephone interview. “Bulgaria’s accession to the EU has been linked to clear commitments and expectations, and the citizens of Bulgaria are now being cheated of the fruits of EU membership.”

For almost two months, Bulgaria has faced daily demonstrations from tens of thousands of protesters who claim an oligarchic mafia has taken control of the nation through its influence over the judiciary, media and state security apparatus. A major new demonstration planned this Wednesday, called “the grand national uprising,” is expected to heap further pressure on Borissov’s government.

German Christian Democrats are viewed as supportive founding fathers of Borissov’s GERB party, and Bulgarians view the German leader as the foreign politician who could most easily destroy Borissov’s political capital if she were to turn against him.

Earlier this summer, Bulgarian protesters addressed the close ties between Merkel and Borissov with a banner captioned: “Mrs Merkel! Aren’t you ashamed of that corrupt guy?”

Krichbaum said the German chancellor could also raise the accusations by protesters in her discussions with Borissov.

“I’m not sitting in the government, so I can’t say what Merkel is exactly doing. But I would anticipate that these things play a role in her talks with Borissov.”

The EPP should also become active, he said:”I clearly see [EPP President] Donald Tusk as having the responsibility to conduct the decisive talks [with the Bulgarian government],” he said. “In view of current developments, more needs to happen.”

Krichbaum also called on the European Commission to probe the state of rule of law in Bulgaria and launch an infringement procedure against the country should concerns persist.

“Bulgaria must be put on the agenda. The accusations must be substantiated,” Krichbaum said. “It is the European Commission’s job, as the guardian of the treaties, to take action. If the Commission sees the accusations as proven, then infringement proceedings must be initiated.”

The German Social Democratic Party (SPD), which is governing in a coalition with Merkel’s CDU, has also criticized the Bulgarian government and has expressed solidarity with protesters in Sofia.

“We should pay more attention to states such as Bulgaria during the German presidency of the Council of the EU,” said Detlef Müller, the SPD’s deputy democracy policy spokesman in the Bundestag.

“I would like to see this issue raised by the German government at meetings of EU leaders or ministers. It is important that basic European principles are respected by all member states,” he added.

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Former Vice President Joe BidenJoe BidenHillicon Valley: Biden calls on Facebook to change political speech rules | Dems demand hearings after Georgia election chaos | Microsoft stops selling facial recognition tech to police Trump finalizing executive order calling on police to use ‘force with compassion’ The Hill’s Campaign Report: Biden campaign goes on offensive against Facebook MORE, a 2020 White House hopeful, said Tuesday that racism is an institution in the U.S., calling it a “white man’s problem visited on people of color.”

Speaking to a group of reporters in a lengthy interview, Biden said deep-seated racism still exists in the country and lamented the continued presence of white supremacists, according to The Associated Press.

“White folks are the reason we have institutional racism,” Biden said. “There has always been racism in America. White supremacists have always existed, they still exist.”

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As he has done throughout his campaign, Biden hammered President TrumpDonald John TrumpSenate advances public lands bill in late-night vote Warren, Democrats urge Trump to back down from veto threat over changing Confederate-named bases Esper orders ‘After Action Review’ of National Guard’s role in protests MORE for rhetoric that can “appeal to the worst damn instincts of human nature.”

He added that, if elected president, his administration would not tolerate racism and white supremacy.

“People know me — at least they think they know me. I think after all this time, I think they have a sense of what my character is, who I am,” he said.

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Biden was knocked in the first Democratic debate by fellow 2020 candidate Sen. Kamala HarrisKamala Devi HarrisRand Paul introduces bill to end no-knock warrants The Hill’s Campaign Report: Biden campaign goes on offensive against Facebook McEnany says Juneteenth is a very ‘meaningful’ day to Trump MORE (D-Calif.) for his opposition to the federal government using busing to desegregate schools. He also took flak recently for his comments praising his ability to work with segregationist senators while in Congress, a remark for which he apologized.

Biden also said on Tuesday that he would “preferably” pick a woman or person of color as his vice president should he secure the Democratic nomination, according to the AP.

“Whomever I pick would be preferably someone who was of color and who was of a different gender, but I’m not making that commitment until I know that the person I’m dealing with I can completely, thoroughly trust, is authentic, and is on the same page,” he said.

Biden has consistently led the crowded primary field since entering the race, holding roughly an 8-point lead over all other candidates, according to an average of national polls compiled by RealClearPolitics.

A majority of likely voters in Arizona says current gun laws are not strict enough, according to a new OH Predictive Insights Poll released Thursday, marking a shift in a hot-button issue.

Fifty-four percent of likely Arizona voters said the current laws in the state on the sale and ownership of guns are insufficiently strict, a 6-point rise from May, while those who believe the laws are too strict dropped 2 points, to 4 percent. Of those surveyed, 46 percent said that they or someone in their household owned a gun.

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Republican and Democratic support for increased gun control legislation remained relatively consistent since May, with 29 percent and 76 percent, respectively, saying this that gun laws are not strict enough. However, support from independent voters for stricter gun laws shot up by 17 points since May, with 60 percent saying existing laws are too lax.

The survey was conducted after the two mass shootings earlier this month in El Paso, Texas, and Dayton, Ohio, which killed a combined 31 people.

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“The recent spate of gun violence across the country is clearly shifting public opinion,” said Mike Noble, chief of research and managing partner of OH Predictive Insights, a Phoenix-based research company. “In the last three months, the most notable demographic shift was among the coveted Independent voter bloc while Republicans and Democrats saw only a marginal shift.”

The latest poll is welcome news for Democrats, who are hoping to turn gun control into a key issue heading into the 2020 cycle. Arizona is home to one of the most competitive Senate races next year and is also increasingly seen as a presidential battleground.

The OH Predictive Insights poll surveyed 600 likely voters from Aug. 13 to 14 and has a margin of error of plus or minus 4 percentage points.