Giffords Aide to Run for Her Seat

Former Gabrielle Giffords aide and fellow shooting survivor Ron Barber intends to run to replace Giffords in Congress, he announced today. Barber was shot twice in the Tucson shooting spree that nearly killed Giffords, according to the Hill. "While there will never be anyone who can fill Congresswoman Giffords’ shoes, I look forward to continuing her legacy of putting problem-solving before politics," he said.

Giffords' district will hold a special election in June to replace Giffords for the remainder of her term, followed by a regular election in November. Arizona Democrats say they don't expect Barber to run in November, only to finish Giffords' term. Her husband, Mark Kelly, immediately threw his support behind Barber, calling him "a congressman who will put politics aside and focus on the needs of southern Arizona," and urging Giffords' supporters to donate to his cause. (More Ron Barber stories.)