Los Angeles, California – The Armenian National Committee of America – Western Region (ANCA-WR) is proud to endorse Assemblymember Laura Friedman for California’s 30th Congressional District. Laura Friedman has a long-standing record of advocacy for the Armenian-American community and has consistently worked to ensure the community’s voice is heard on key issues, including the rights of the people of Artsakh, cultural representation, and Armenian Genocide education.

In support of her candidacy, ANCA Western Region Board Chairperson Oshin Harootoonian stated, “From her time on the Glendale City Council to her current role in the California State Assembly, Laura Friedman has consistently demonstrated unwavering support and dedicated advocacy for the Armenian-American community. Her deep understanding of Armenian-American issues, combined with her proven record of championing their concerns, ensures a promising future for Armenian-American representation. The ANCA Western Region is proud to endorse her candidacy for California’s 30th Congressional District.”

As a member of the Glendale City Council and Mayor, Friedman championed the Armenian-American community’s interests through several significant initiatives. Assemblymember Friedman advocated for the further representation of Armenian culture and businesses, and was a key proponent in the Glendale City Council’s annual Armenian Genocide resolutions. She also spearheaded educational efforts on the importance of Armenian Genocide recognition and implemented programs celebrating Armenian culture and the vital contributions of Armenians to the city’s social and cultural fabric. Her leadership also extended to housing and social services, where she supported initiatives assisting immigrants and refugees, including Armenians, in securing affordable housing and accessing essential services such as healthcare and professional development opportunities.

In the California State Assembly, Laura Friedman continued her advocacy for the Armenian-American community through sponsoring and supporting resolutions for the recognition of the Armenian Genocide and working tirelessly to urge Congress to formally recognize it as official U.S. policy. She also visited Armenia in 2017 as part of a delegation with other Assemblymembers, where she engaged with Armenian leaders, visited the Armenian Genocide Memorial at Tzitzernakapert, and learned firsthand about the challenges faced by Armenians.The Assemblymember has also been actively advocating for the inclusion of Armenian history and culture in California’s educational curriculum while securing funding for Armenian dual-language programs and community institutions like the Armenian Relief Society (ARS) and Homenetmen (HMEM).

In regards to Artsakh, Friedman has consistently called for humanitarian aid for Armenians in Artsakh during Azerbaijan’s unprovoked invasion in 2020, and worked alongside the California Armenian Legislative Caucus to demand more substantial U.S. support for the displaced and further diplomatic relations with Armenia. Friedman also played a critical role in advocating for AJR 1, introduced by Asm. Chris Holden, during Azerbaijan’s illegal blockade of the Lachin Corridor, reaffirming California’s recognition of Artsakh’s right to self-determination and pushing for U.S. sanctions against Azerbaijan. Most recently, Assemblymember Friedman spearheaded a powerful letter in the California Assembly demanding accountability for Azerbaijan’s ethnic cleansing of Artsakh and condemning efforts by Azerbaijan to greenwash its image through the upcoming COP29 summit.

The ANCA-WR is confident that Laura Friedman will continue to be a steadfast advocate for the Armenian-American community and looks forward to working with her as she seeks to bring her dedication and experience to the U.S. Congress.

For more information, please visit: https://ancawr.org/2024-elections-center/

The Armenian National Committee of America – Western Region is the largest and most influential Armenian-American grassroots advocacy organization in the Western United States, working in coordination with a network of offices, chapters, and supporters throughout the region and affiliated organizations to promote the Armenian Cause.