By james art 
LOS ANGELES – The Armenian National Committee of America-West Region has announced its endorsement of Assemblywoman Laura Friedman for California’s 30th Congressional District.
Friedman has a long history of advocacy for the Armenian-American community and has consistently worked to ensure that the community’s voice is heard on key issues, including the rights of the people of Artsakh, cultural representation, and education about the Armenian Genocide.
“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,” ANCA West Region Board Chair Oshin Harutonian said in support of her candidacy .
“Her deep understanding of Armenian-American issues, combined with her proven track record in advocating for their concerns, ensures a promising future for Armenian-American representation. ANCA’s Western Region is proud to support her candidacy for California’s 30th Congressional District,” added Haroutunian.
As a Glendale City Council member and mayor, Friedman has championed the interests of the Armenian-American community through several significant initiatives.
Friedman advocated for further representation of Armenian culture and business and was a key supporter of Glendale City Council’s annual Armenian Genocide resolutions. She also spearheaded educational efforts on the importance of recognizing the Armenian Genocide and implemented programs celebrating Armenian culture and the vital contribution of Armenians to the social and cultural fabric of the city.
Her leadership also extended to housing and social services, where she supported initiatives to help immigrants and refugees, including Armenians, to provide affordable housing and access to basic services such as health care and professional development opportunities.
In the California State Assembly, Friedman continued his advocacy for the Armenian-American community by sponsoring and supporting resolutions recognizing the Armenian Genocide and worked tirelessly to push Congress to formally recognize it as official US policy. She also visited Armenia in 2017 as part of a delegation with other California lawmakers, where she connected with Armenian leaders, visited the Armenian Genocide Memorial in Dzidzernagapert, and learned firsthand about the challenges Armenians face.
Friedman also actively advocated for the inclusion of Armenian history and culture in California’s educational curriculum, while providing funding for Armenian bilingual programs and community institutions such as the Armenian Aid Society and Homenetmen.
Regarding Artsakh, Friedman has consistently called for humanitarian aid for Armenians in Artsakh during Azerbaijan’s 2020 unprovoked invasion and has worked alongside the California Armenian Legislative Caucus to demand more substantial US support for 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, affirming California’s recognition of Artsakh’s right to self-determination and demanding US sanctions against Azerbaijan.
Most recently, Friedman spearheaded a powerful letter in the California Assembly demanding accountability for the ethnic cleansing of Artsakh by Azerbaijan and condemning Azerbaijan’s efforts to greenwash its image through the upcoming COP29 summit.
ANCA-WR is confident that Laura Friedman will continue to be a strong advocate for the Armenian American community and looks forward to working with her as she seeks to bring her dedication and expertise to the US Congress.
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 regional offices, branches and supporters and affiliated organizations to advance the Armenian cause.