GLENDALE, CA — The Armenian National Committee of America–Western Region (ANCA-WR) today announced its endorsement of Mayor Gavin Newsom for Lieutenant Governor of California.

“When considering their choice for Lieutenant Governor, we urge all Armenian-Americans to vote for Gavin Newsom, a dedicated public servant and supporter of our issues,” said Aida Dimejian, Chair of the ANCA-WR Board of Directors.

Mayor Newsom was appointed to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors in 1997, representing District 2. He was first elected Mayor of San Francisco in 2003 and was reelected to a second term in 2007. The ANCA-WR endorsed Gavin Newsom based on his long and faithful record of public service and his steadfast support of issues of concern to Armenian-Americans. Ever since his tenure on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, Newsom has held an open door policy toward his constituents, carrying their message to City Hall.

As Mayor of San Francisco, Gavin Newsom issued annual proclamations commemorating the anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. Earlier this year, he joined the San Francisco Bay Area commemoration at San Francisco’s historic Saint Ignatius Church where he insisted, “It is time for the President and Congress to do the right thing and acknowledge the Armenian Genocide.” Newsom also sent a letter to Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi urging her to support the Armenian Genocide resolution in 2007 when congressional supporters began to waver.

Previously as Supervisor, Newsom supported the sale of the Mount Davidson Cross to the Council of Armenian-American Organizations of Northern California who preserved the landmark and installed a bronze plaque at the base honoring the victims of the Armenian Genocide.

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 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.

PHOTO CAPTION: Mayor Gavin Newsom speaking at the 95th Anniversary Commemoration of the Armenian Genocide