GLENDALE, CA – The Armenian National Committee of America – Western Region (ANCA-WR) on Wednesday announced its endorsement of candidates vying for a number of statewide offices based on their record of service to California and its Armenian American constituents. We present the list below:

Secretary of State – Debra Bowen The ANCA-WR endorses Debra Bowen for reelection as California Secretary of State. Since taking office, Bowen has worked to increase voter registration by empowering Californians with timely and objective information on candidates and ballot measures. Having served in the State Assembly and Senate, Bowen also introduced and helped enact legislation commemorating the Armenian Genocide.

Controller – John Chiang The ANCA-WR endorses John Chiang for reelection as California Controller. Chiang has maintained a close relationship with the Armenian American community since the days he served on the California Board of Equalization. He has been an enthusiastic collaborator with local ANC chapters and a frequent attendee of the ANCA-WR Annual Banquet through the years. Just last year, John Chiang helped organize a small business tax and opportunities seminar organized by the ANC Hollywood chapter.

Treasurer – Bill Lockyer The ANCA-WR endorses Bill Lockyer for reelection as California Treasurer. Lockyer’s commitment to public service and issues important to our community is evident by his years of work in state government. While in the State Legislature, then-Senator Lockyer supported legislation acknowledging the Armenian Genocide and has been a staunch supporter of reaffirmation of the historical facts ever since. As Attorney General, Lockyer also filed legal briefs in three cases defending the ability of victims of the Holocaust and Armenian Genocide to file insurance company claims under the state Holocaust Victim Insurance Relief Act. For his steadfast commitment to justice and contributions to the Armenian American community, Bill Lockyer was chosen as ANCA-WR Man of the Year in 2001.

Superintendent of Public Instruction – Tom Torlakson The ANCA-WR endorses former educator Tom Torlakson for California Superintendent of Public Instruction. A legislator with experience enacting important education reforms, Torlakson has also been an advocate of Armenian Genocide recognition and education. He has consistently supported legislation acknowledging the Armenian Genocide and joined the San Francisco Bay Area commemoration at San Francisco’s historic Saint Ignatius Church earlier this year.

The ANCA-WR has already endorsed Jerry Brown for Governor and Gavin Newsom for Lieutenant Governor. An endorsement for the U.S. Senate race will be issued in the coming days.

The ANCA-WR 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 Western United States and affiliated organizations around the country, the ANCA-WR advances the concerns of the Armenian American community on a broad range of issues.