LOS ANGELES–Residents of the City of Los Angeles went to polls last Tuesday to choose their city’s leadership for the next four years. In many cases the crowded fields of various offices were narrowed down to two candidates–who will face off during the run off elections in June.
The Armenian National Committee chapters in the Los Angeles area–including the Hollywood–West San Fernando Valley and East San Fernando Valley chapters–per custom–were heavily involved in a number of races–and through endorsemen’s–campaign support–volunteer force and other means contributed to the competitive races this year.
The race for Los Angeles Mayor garnered national attention–and the numerous candidates campaigned extensively–reaching out to the Armenian American community–as well. Election night results put James Hahn and Antonio Villaraigosa in the general elections–garnering 25.18 percent and 30.37 percent of the votes–respectively.
The City Attorney’s race in the general elections will be between current Councilman Mike Feuer–who received 39.39 percent of the primary votes–and Rocky Delgadillo–who garnered 37.92 percent of the votes.
ANC PAC-endorsed candidate for City Controller Laura Chick came through with a victory over her opponents–garnering enough votes to avoid a run off in the June elections. She received 62.40 percent of the votes.
The Los Angeles City Council races were also heated with a number of qualified candidates–and Council races. The following is an overview of the City Primary elections:
District 3: ANC-endorsed candidate Francine Oschin–who has been a close friend of the Armenian American community of the West San Fernando Valley–came in a close third–effectively not advancing to the June general elections. Candidates advancing to the general round will be Dennis P. Zine (26.94 percent) and Judith Hirshberg (21.79 percent).
District 5: ANC-endorsed candidate Tom Hayden advanced to the general elections with 33.71 percent of the votes–and will face off Jack Weiss who garnered 22.03 percent.
District 11: Cindy Miscikowski–a long-time and close friend of the Armenian American community and ANC-endorsee–won the elections–avoiding a run off–by garnering 71.63 percent of the votes.
District 13: One of the most watched races in the LA City Council elections–district 13–which is home to a large number of Armenian Americans–and encompasses Little Armenia–saw a fierce competition between a number of candidates–including long-time advocate and genuine friend of the Armenian American community and ANC endorsee –former State Assemblyman Scott Wildman–who despite a valiant campaign–did not garner enough votes to advance to the general elections. The candidates–who will face off in June from district 13 will be Eric Garcetti and Mike Woo.
"The Los Angeles races were an important milestone for the Armenian American community’s political development–and ever-increasing involvement–in that the Armenian National Committee chapters in the city led the community in becoming more involved than ever in campaigns," explained Alex Sardar–Executive Director of the Armenian National Committee of America-Western Region. " While the results may have disappointed the community in some races–there were instances where ANC endorsed candidates came through with flying colors–once again–attesting to the great importance of each vote."