SAN FRANCISCO, CA – The Bay Area Armenian National Committee hosted a reception for California State Assembly candidate from Fresno, Steve Samuelian at the Hillsborough home of Mr. and Mrs. Garbis and Maida Bezdjian. The successful event, which also included remarks by ARF Bureau member Garo Armenian, raised funds for the Samuelian campaign, and gave Bay Area Armenian-Americans a chance to hear from the candidate personally.

“I’m very grateful to be here with the Bay Area ANC,” said Samuelian. “It has been a strong supporter of my campaign since day one.” Samuelian spoke about the need for Armenian-Americans to join him in entering politics. “It’s very important that young Armenian-Americans be actively engaged in the political process, as candidates, as interns,” he said, emphasizing the gains that will be achieved when Armenians work as members of lawmaking bodies.

Samuelian has been involved in politics for over twenty years, and has been a long-time advocate of Hai Tahd, serving on the ANC Central California Board of Directors. During his work as District Director for Congressman George Radanovich, Samuelian took the lead role in building the Congressman’s exemplary record of achievement on Armenian-American issues in the House of Representatives. In addition to working on Armenian Genocide recognition, increasing aid to Armenia and restricting aid to Azerbaijan, Samuelian worked with Rep. Radanovich to craft successful legislation to cut aid to Turkey until it recognizes the Armenian Genocide.

Samuelian has served as the Republican party’s State Central Committee Member since 1989 and Executive Committee Member since 1991. He was the Central Valley Co-Chair of George W. Bush’s presidential campaign, and was Vice President and Co-Founder of the Young Republican Federation of California. He continues his involvement with many Central Valley organizations like the Clovis Chamber of Commerce, the United Way, Crimestoppers, and the Armenian Studies Program at CSU, Fresno.

ARF Bureau member Garo Armenian told reception attendees about the events leading up to the recent establishment of the ANC’s European headquarters in Belgium. He said the office is doing intense work on promoting the Armenian Cause, especially to help protect the independence of Armenia.