— Achadjian, Tarkanian Victories Key to Doubling Armenian American Presence in Congress

WASHINGTON, DC – The Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) released its Senate and House primary endorsements for the states of California and Nevada ahead of the highly anticipated June elections, spotlighting a select group of candidates who have proven track records of support on issues of special concern to Armenian Americans and all friends of Armenia.

“The ANCA Western Region would like to thank each of these U.S. Senate and House candidates for their ardent support of Armenian American issues, both in their districts and on Capitol Hill,” said ANCA Western Region Chair Nora Hovsepian, Esq. “ANCA primary endorsements are rare; however, each have shown clear leadership in their support for Armenian American concerns on a broad range of issues – from Artsakh freedom to justice for the Armenian Genocide and stronger U.S.-Armenia relationship.”

“We are also pleased to endorse and spotlight Armenian American Congressional hopefuls Katcho Achadjian and Danny Tarkanian – whose victories in June and November will double community numbers in the House,” continued Hovsepian.

Assemblymember Katcho Achadjian is running for the open seat in California’s 24th Congressional district, which represents parts of Ventura County, San Luis Obispo County, and Santa Barbara County. Mr. Achadjian was endorsed early on by the ANCA, as he has been a close friend of the Armenian community and has worked hard to represent Armenian-American during his tenure in the California legislature.  Danny Tarkanian is running to fill the open seat in Nevada’s 3rd Congressional district, which represents Southern Las Vegas, Henderson, and Clark County.  A prominent businessman and son of renowned college basketball coach, the late Jerry Tarkanian, Danny has proven a passionate advocate of Armenian American concerns.  If successful in November, Achadjian and Tarkanian will be joining fellow Armenian American Representatives Anna Eshoo (D-CA) and Jackie Speier (D-CA) in the U.S. House.

ANCA endorsements are based primarily on a detailed review of each candidate’s record across a broad range of Armenian American issues. These evaluations are prepared in consultation with ANCA regional offices and local chapters and cover issues ranging from securing a just resolution of the Armenian Genocide and securing Turkey’s return of Armenian and other Christian religious properties, to strengthening U.S.-Armenia relations, defending Nagorno Karabakh’s independence, and increasing U.S. aid and trade levels with Armenia.  Special importance is given to the working relationship and accessibility of Congressional leaders with local community advocates.

The ANCA encourages all Armenian American registered voters to exercise their right to vote on June 7th (California) and June 14th (Nevada). If you have questions about the election or need to register to vote, visit www.hyevotes.org or call (818) 806-8683.

The list of ANCA endorsed California and Nevada Congressional candidates for the June, 2016 primaries are:

California – U.S. Senate

Loretta Sanchez (D)

California – U.S. House

Katcho Achadjian, R – District 24

Judy Chu, D – District 27

Jim Costa, D – District 16

Anna Eshoo, D – District 18

Barbara Lee, D – District 13

Grace Napolitano, D – District 32

Devin Nunes, R –  District 22

Edward Royce, R – District 39

Linda Sanchez, D – District 38

Adam Schiff, D – District 28

Brad Sherman, D – District 30

Jackie Speier, D – District 14

David Valadao, R – District 21

Nevada – U.S. House

Danny Tarkanian, R –  District 3

Dina Titus, D – District 1

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Photo Caption:  ANCA Primary Congressional Endorsement for California and Nevada