PALO ALTO, CA — The Armenian National Committee of America Northern California (ANCA – Sacramento, SF-Bay Area, Silicon Valley) is proud to endorse Santa Clara County Supervisor Joseph Simitian, a longtime Bay Area public servant, in his bid to serve California’s 16th Congressional district. Supervisor Simitian is hoping to succeed fellow Armenian American, Rep. Anna Eshoo, a titan of public service who will be leaving an indelible mark on Capitol Hill upon her retirement after this term and three decades in Congress. If elected, Simitian would extend the 30-year continuance of Armenian American representation in Congress from the San Francisco-Bay Area.
“Supervisor Joe Simitian has represented our region with distinction for decades in so many capacities on the state and local level,” stated ANCA Silicon Valley member Vache Shirikian. “With his vast experience, we know he’ll hit the ground running in Washington DC. As Armenian-Americans, we view the continuation of representation of our community and concerns as critical. We have a longstanding relationship with Supervisor Simitian, who is very familiar and concerned about the issues for which we advocate, and he is poised and prepared to continue the esteemed legacy forged by Rep. Anna Eshoo.”
The 16th Congressional district includes portions of San Mateo and Santa Clara Counties, and the city of Cupertino which is home to St. Andrew Armenian Church.
“I am both pleased and proud to receive ANCA‘s endorsement. I look forward to working together to make sure that our community’s issues are front and center in Washington DC,” stated Simitian.
Saren Joseph Simitian, who was elected to the Santa Clara Board of Supervisors for a second time in 2012, has an extensive record of public service, including terms in the California State Senate, the California State Assembly, Mayor of Palo Alto, President of the Palo Alto School Board. In all those roles, he has supported a myriad of issues of particular interest to Armenian Americans, serving as an outspoken advocate for Armenia and Artsakh, and rallying local and statewide support for Armenian Genocide reaffirmation and education. He has visited Armenia three times to date, and after a visit to Artaskh as State Senator, he was banned from Azerbaijan.
Simitian has received Rep. Eshoo’s enthusiastic endorsement. She said, “[The 16th district] deserves a top-notch representative in Congress who can best mirror its values, advance the hopes and aspirations of its people, honor our Constitution, strengthen our democracy and possess the broad experience to be the most trusted person to represent its people and all its communities,” according to the San Jose Mercury News.
Ballots have already arrived at homes for the California Democratic primary, taking place on March 5th. Those interested in volunteering for the Simitian campaign or picking up a “Simitian for Congress” lawn sign, please email SiliconValley@ancasf.org.
“Armenian Americans for Joe” have organized a fundraiser to support the campaign on February 25th at 12pm. To RSVP, Click here
