Dr. Jirair Ratevosian, a former advisor to the Biden State Department and a one-time legislative director for Rep. Barbara Lee, has announced a substantial fundraising total of $100,000 in the first month of his campaign for California’s 30th Congressional District.
Ratevosian made the announcement on Friday, underscoring the early success of his campaign. As an openly gay son of Armenian immigrants, he represents both generational change and increased diversity for a district known for its sizable Armenian-American community.
“I am truly humbled by the overwhelming support and generosity we have received in the first month of our campaign,” said Ratevosian. “This milestone reflects our supporters’ shared belief in creating opportunities for all to achieve their American dream.”
Ratevosian’s successful first month of fundraising points to the potential of his candidacy, but three of his 16 opponents (Mike Feuer, Anthony Portantino, Nick Melvoin) had already raised more than $500,000 by the March 31 Federal Elections Commission campaign finance reports, and those amounts are likely to have grown since then. Melvoin’s campaign has spent the most so far with $42,734.72 in expenditures.
have His fundraising totals draw from a broad range of supporters, from small-dollar donors to larger contributors, all showing a vote of confidence in his vision for an inclusive and progressive future.
“I am ready to serve on DAY ONE,” stated Ratevosian. “I am running for Congress to bring my federal and lived experience to the table, and to bring my record of solving complex challenges to fight for bipartisan and progressive solutions for our community.”
California’s 30th Congressional District, currently represented by Rep. Adam Schiff, is located in Los Angeles County. It includes the cities of Pasadena, Glendale, Burbank, West Hollywood, Sunland, Tujunga, and Hancock Park. Schiff is vacating the seat to run for U.S. Senate. In 2022, he won the district, which leans Democratic, with 71% of the vote. The district boasts the highest number of Armenian-American voting-age citizens in the country at 14%.
As of the latest filing, Sepi Shyne has raised:
$216,504.48.this period and a has a total of $314,532.48 donations.
Cash on hand $128,361.94.
Would love to write about this but cannot find a source, would you please share?
Woah looking at the comments section I didn’t know there was this much racism aimed at Armenians. White people really believe they deserve to run everything, don’t they. It matters that he’s an Armenian progressive because Armenians are typically conservative, and also because he should be able to represent a district that has a lot of people from his ethnic background. Like for example, white people, how you guys mainline everyone’s tax dollars into keeping your neighborhoods “nice” and “safe”…code words for homogenous. Let’s spread the resources around a bit. Your people aren’t the only ones who deserve nice things… Read more »
Well said and good read on the commenters.
Only one comment, thus far, has referenced his Armenian identity. I suppose that’s enough for lazy minds to jump to racism.
Racist minds jump to calling people lazy.
People are nuts
Thank you. 🙂
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Very good call and, keep in mind that many of the comments are NOT from West Hollywood residents but, made by right-wing professional troll provocateurs ❗
Thank you! I really hope you’re right.
I’m confused. I thought we were supposed to vote for people based on their character and their experience and the promises they plan to instill once they are elected. What do I care if he’s gay or Armenian? What does that have to do with anything? Seems frivolous.
It is.
REALLY ❓ Evil republicans are aggressively passing anti-LGBTQ+ legislation in their voter suppressed gerrymandered districts that stands to have a considerable effect on his life, NOT so frivolous ❗
Armenia is one of the least gay friendly countries. Maybe he should try to open the first gay bar there instead.
YES and, the United States is currently passing some of the worst anti-LGBTQ+ legislation among all of the technologically advanced nations but, I won’t tag you for that problem. He is born & raised in the United States and has every right to be politically active here.💖
No chance.
What does he stand for?
Who cares? He’s got a multi-intersectioned identity!
Another?
Hard pass, but I would like to know how he defines “progressive.” Seems this is a fuzzy word that politicians use to mislead others about their true intentions.
That word alone crosses anybody off my list. Progressives have done such a great job of screwing things up I would never even contemplate anyone who uses that word.