Federal, State, Regional, and Local Women Leaders Endorse Elen Asatryan for Glendale City Council

Coalition of elected officials and community leaders cite Elen’s record of service, leadership, and commitment to delivering results.

GLENDALE, CA—A growing coalition of federal, state, regional, and local women leaders announced their endorsement of Councilwoman Elen Asatryan’s re-election to the Glendale City Council, highlighting her decades of public service and record of delivering results for women, working families, immigrants, and small businesses. 

Councilwoman and former Mayor Elen Asatryan holds the distinction of being Glendale’s first Armenian-American woman, the first immigrant woman, and at 39 the youngest woman to be elected to the City Council and later serve as Mayor. As the only woman currently sitting on the City Council, Asatryan has been an unapologetic champion of policies and programming to uplift women and girls. 

“Elen Asatryan is the kind of fighter Glendale needs,” Congresswoman Laura Friedman (CA 30th District) said. “From her strong track record on environmental issues to her consistent work on expanding access to programs, housing, and public transportation, uplifting women and girls, and supporting local libraries and arts, she advocates for the resources residents need most. I’m proud to endorse her in her re-election to the Glendale City Council.”

The coalition includes:

• Congresswoman (CA 30th District) Laura Friedman

• Lt. Governor of California Eleni Kounalakis

• State Senator Sasha Renée Pérez

• CA State Assemblymember (52nd District) Jessica Caloza

• Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger

• Glendale Community College Board of Trustees President Yvette Vartanian Davis

• Glendale Community College Board of Trustees Vice President Dr. Armine Hacopian

• Glendale Community College Board of Trustees Clerk Ann Ransford

• Glendale Community College Board of Trustees Member Desiree Portillo Rabinov

• Los Angeles Community College District (LACCD) Trustee Andra Hoffman

• Burbank Vice Mayor Zizette Mullins

• Burbank Councilwoman and Former Mayor Nikki Perez

• Glendale Arts Board Chair Susan Hunt

• Filipino American Business Association of Glendale Board Member Edith Fuentes

• YWCA Glendale Executive Director Debra Suh

• Black in Glendale Co-Founder Tasha Jenkins

• Moms Demand Action, Gun Violence Prevention Chair & Activist Mia Porter

  
  

In her first term, Councilwoman Asatryan championed policies and programs that uplift women and girls across Glendale, including: 

• Reinstating and expanding the powers and work of Glendale’s Commission on the Status of Women

• Launching Glendale’s Women’s Fire Academy to open pathways for women in public safety

• Glendale becoming the seventh city in California to sign the CA Equal Pay Pledge

• Advancing initiatives and programming that celebrate, support and women’s leadership, including our Small Business Summit and Women’s Equality Day celebration

• Introducing expanded family leave and childcare on campus for Glendale city employees

• Reinstating the Glendale Domestic Violence Task Force

  
  

The endorsing leaders emphasized that Elen’s candidacy is especially important at a time when cities are facing complex challenges ranging from immigrant rights to emergency preparedness.

“I’ve seen Councilwoman Elen Asatryan show up when it mattered most—from expanding access to city services to standing with immigrant families during the recent ICE raids and beyond, as well as leading with steadiness and compassion during the 2025 wildfires that impacted our region. Glendale deserves a Councilmember who leads with equity, compassion, and resolve.” California State Senator (25th District) Sasha Renée Pérez said.

Councilwoman Asatryan has spent more than two decades working on public policy and community advocacy. Since taking office, she has focused on closing the gap between what residents and small businesses need and how City Hall delivers services, both locally and at the state and federal levels. 

“Councilwoman Elen Asatryan has been a tireless champion for Glendale at the state level. She has been a strong advocate in Sacramento for the resources and policies our community needs, from creating safer streets and expanding affordable housing to investing in parks and green spaces and improving multilingual access to government services,” California State Assemblymember (52nd District) Jessica Caloza said. “Elen works day in and day out to ensure that every resident has the opportunities, support, and resources they need to thrive.”

Endorsers highlighted Councilwoman Asatryan’s ability to bring intentional leadership and policy to address Glendale’s challenges.

“I’m proud to support Councilwoman Elen Asatryan for Glendale City Council. She has consistently focused on strengthening public safety, as well as advocating for residents and small businesses to thrive in our region. Her leadership and experience will ensure city government delivers for its residents,” LA County Supervisor (5th District) Kathryn Barger said.

Councilwoman Asatryan’s re-election campaign builds on existing efforts to expand housing, strengthen public safety and safe streets, increase access to parks, arts, and affordability programs, empower women and girls, support small businesses, cut bureaucratic red tape, and improve access to services, including educational opportunities, across Glendale’s diverse communities.

“Elen Asatryan has been a great partner for Glendale Community College, both as a Councilmember and throughout her 26 years in public service. She understands that strong communities start with strong educational opportunities. Her commitment to supporting students, families, and lifelong learning will help ensure Glendale continues to invest in the future of our community,” GCC Board President Yvette Vartanian Davis said.

Councilwoman Asatryan has consistently focused on supporting women entrepreneurs and small businesses, expanding access to city services, protecting reproductive freedom, and ensuring public safety policies prioritize the well-being of women and families. From homelessness prevention programs and strong tenant protections to emergency assistance, investments in Glendale’s job center, and expanded domestic violence and mental health resources, Councilwoman Asatryan has been a tireless champion for all Glendale residents, regardless of background.

“I’m honored to have the support of these incredible women leaders,” Councilwoman Asatryan said. “Their tireless efforts across the years have helped shape stronger, more inclusive communities across our region, and I’m proud to stand alongside them as we work to build a safer and more vibrant future for Glendale residents and small businesses.”

This announcement comes after the Glendale Police Officers and Firefighters Associations Issued  Sole Early Endorsement to Elen Asatryan for Glendale City Council Re-Election. 

For more information about the campaign, visit electelen.com.

Contact:

818.208.0045

press@electelen.com

electelen.com

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