Frank, the first openly gay representative to serve in Congress, touts Ratevosian’s experience and his commitment to social justice and economic fairness.
LOS ANGELES (January 9, 2024) – Today, Jirair Ratevosian for Congress announces the endorsement of former Congressman Barney Frank. Ratevosian is one of eleven candidates vying to replace Rep. Adam Schiff’s in California’s 30th District.
Frank was the first openly gay Member of Congress and served as the chairman of the powerful House Financial Services Committee and was the leading co-sponsor of the Dodd-Frank Act which aimed to protect consumers from taking out mortgages that would bankrupt them.
In his endorsement, Frank notes, “The experiences, talent and commitment that Jirair Ratevosian will bring to Congress will make him a valuable addition to the ranks of effective fighters for social and economic fairness.”
“As a gay Armenian growing up with no role models that looked like me, Barney Frank stood alone as the first openly gay Member of Congress.” Ratevosian said. “I’m thrilled to have Barney Frank on my side because representation matters, and for the 30th congressional district which is one of the most diverse and queerest congressional districts in the country, representation will deliver results for our community. Rather than let MAGA extremists rewrite history and take away LGBTQ+ rights, we’re going to make history by electing an LGBTQ leader for the 30th congressional district to beat back the assault on our community.”
In addition to former Rep. Barney Frank, Ratevosian has received endorsements from respected peers including former Reps. Dr. Donna Christensen and Mike Honda, Chair Emertus of the California Democratic Club LGBTQ Caucus Tiffany Woods, local educator Zepure Kivork, former CEO of Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum Kathy Ko Chin, Liz Schrayer, Middlesex Sheriff Peter Koutoujian, former Executive Director of the Black AIDS Institute Phill Wilson, former President of the American Jewish World Service Ruth Messinger, Armenian-American entrepreneur Armen Orujyan, former Executive Director of the Los Angeles LGBT Center Lorri Jean, and U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel Ken Pinkela.
A complete list of endorsements can be found at the link here.
Recently, Ratevosian released his American Dream Act, outlining ways he will support the Los Angeles community locally and at the national level.
For more information about Ratevosian and his campaign, voters can follow along on social media on X, Instagram, and Facebook or visit his website at https://jirairforca.com/.
ABOUT JIRAIR FOR CONGRESS
Born and raised in Hollywood, Dr. Jirair Ratevosian is a first-generation American born to Armenian immigrant parents. With a doctoral degree in public health from Johns Hopkins University, Ratevosian has spent his career working on behalf of underserved communities championing issues that most impact these communities. As part of President Biden’s policy team recognizing the Armenian Genocide, as a legislative director to Congresswoman Barbara Lee, and as a corporate social responsibility director at Gilead, Ratevosian has used his positions for the betterment of communities in need. He currently resides in Burbank with his husband, Micheal Ighodaro.
Ratevosian is running for Rep. Adam Schiff’s seat to be a champion for all communities within California’s District 30. California’s 30th is an open Congressional District in Los Angeles County that includes the cities of Pasadena, Glendale, Burbank, West Hollywood, Sunland, Tujunga, and Hancock Park. Incumbent Adam Schiff is vacating the seat to run for the U.S. Senate. The district has the largest citizen voting-age population of Armenian-Americans in the country at 14%.
More information on Jirair’s campaign goals, which include issues of equal opportunity and public health, can be found on his campaign website.
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