Democratic state Senate candidate Jim Gaughran this week touted his “F” rating from the New York State Rifle & Pistol Association — a designation he says highlights his support for gun control legislation.

Gaughran is challenging Republican Sen. Carl Marcellino on Long Island, where backing of gun control is considered especially strong.

“Before today, I was never proud to receive an ‘F’ grade; but I am going to wear this score as a badge of honor,” Gaughran said. “I haven’t been shy to tell the gun lobby what I think about firearm safety and the need to protect Long Island from weapons of war. While Senator Carl Marcellino has helped block gun safety bills for decades, I am going to fight and help pass this legislation when I get to the State Senate next year.”

The “F” rating from the group also earned Gaughran praise from the organization Moms Demand Action in Nassau County.

“Jim Gaughran is an advocate for common sense gun reform,” said the group’s Nassau County Lead Tracey Bacher. “It is outrageous that the NRA leadership’s dangerous agenda put our families in danger and blocks all legislation meant at reducing the tragedies we keep witnessing. Jim Gaughran will fight for common sense measures to keep our communities safe.”