LOS ANGELES, CA – History will likely be made in California on election day, November 5, 2002. For the first time ever, a longtime Armenian National Committee (ANC) activist is slated to be elected to the California State Legislature. His name is Steve Samuelian and he is the clear frontrunner in the upcoming election in California’s 29th State Assembly District. The 29th District covers portions of Fresno and Tulare Counties.

The San Fernando Valley ANC hosted their successful fundraiser for Samuelian on Wednesday, September 18, 2002 at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Hrair Nahabedian in West Hills. The gathering at the Nahabedian’s beautiful home drew a standing room only crowd of ANC members and supporters.

“The ANC is very proud of Steve Samuelian,” commented ANCA-WR Board member Raffi Hamparian. “He speaks with such clarity about the need for Armenian-Americans to be good Americans by being involved in the civic life of our great nation. To put it simply, Steve is fresh proof that you can pursue both the Armenian Cause and the American dream at the same time. I think that is why so many ARF, ANC, Homenetmen, Hamazkayin, AYF, and other responsible community members came out to support Steve,” Hamparian added.

At the event, opening remarks were offered by ANCA-WR Chairman Steven J. Dadaian. The Chairman provided those in attendance with insights on Samuelian’s professional career, including a full background of his tenure as District Director for Fresno area Congressman George Radanovich. Dadaian was followed by a close friend and mentor of Steve Samuelian, ANCA-WR Board member Apo Saghdejian, who introduced Samuelian.

In his remarks, Samuelian thanked those in attendance for believing not only in him – but in the idea of getting a proud Armenian-American elected to the California State Legislature. He also spoke on several policy matters, including his fundamental commitment to challenge the Turkish government’s immoral campaign of denying the Armenian Genocide. In closing, Samuelian welcomed all those present to come to Sacramento should he be honored to be elected to serve in the California State Legislature this November.

Also praising Samuelian at the event were the Chairman of the San Fernando Valley ANC, Vahe Melkonian and the Chairman of the San Fernando Valley “Rosdom” Gomideh, Garo Kamarian. In addition, an AYF Badanagan representative spoke, praising Samuelian for teaching young Armenian-Americans about the value of political activism.

Samuelian has garnered a massive list of endorsements, including the early and strong support of the ANC of Central California. Among his other supporters are: Congressman George Radanovich, the National Rifle Association, the Frenso Police Officers Association, the San Joaquin Valley Taxpayer’s Association, and the California State Sheriffs’ Association.

The Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) is the largest and most influential Armenian American grassroots political organization. Working in coordination with a network of offices, chapters, and supporters throughout the United States and affiliated organizations around the world, the ANCA actively advances the concerns of the Armenian American community on a broad range of issues.