Nearly three dozen family members of Uvalde shooting victims showed their support for Democratic candidate for Texas governor Beto O Rourke.

Thirty-five family members of those affected by the May school shooting that left 19 children and two teachers dead traveled five hours by bus to show their support for ORourke before a Friday debate between him and Republican Gov. Greg Abbott, the Texas Tribune reported.

Among the family members of those killed in the shooting were the parents of 10-year-old Alexandria Lexi Rubio.

Im speaking directly to moms when I say our babies lives are on the ballot, Lexis mom, Kimberly Rubio, said at a press conference before the debate. It happened to me; it can happen to you. And this pain, itll bring you to your knees.

Abbott has been routinely criticized for his response to the deadly mass shooting and unwillingness to support gun control measures . Hours after the shooting, Abbott took a jet to attend a fundraiser in Austin for several hours.