Grassroots candidate Elen Asatryan, who has garnered a series of key endorsements in the Glendale City Council race, had the largest number of donors and raised the most money out of all of the candidates in the field–including the incumbents–raising almost 40 percent more than the next candidate, campaign finance filings revealed. Powered by people and small businesses, the filing confirmed that Elen’s campaign is fueled by broad support and small donations as little as $1. Elen’s campaign has distinguished itself as being grassroots-powered, with no money coming from PACs or special interest groups. Elen has to date raised $212,719.95.
“When I launched my campaign, my priority was to continue building relationships with the people from all walks of life in the city I’ve called home for over 30 years and to spend time listening to them. I am humbled by the outpouring of support by everyday citizens and small business owners who share my vision for the future of our Jewel City and are looking to create positive change.” Asatryan said. “The priority now is to get the vote out and we are calling on all our supporters to join us in reaching voters in this critical and final stretch.”
Elen’s campaign has been building momentum since its kick off. Elen is the only candidate endorsed by the Los Angeles Democratic Party, The Glendale Firefighters Association, the National Women’s Political Caucus, the L.A. County Federation of Labor, Planned Parenthood Advocates of Pasadena and San Gabriel Valley, ANCA - Glendale Chapter, the Sierra Club, LA League of Conservation Voters, Glendale Teachers Association, Glendale Environmental Coalition, Lt. Governor of California Eleni Kounalakis, LA County Board Supervisor Kathryn Barger, and California State Sen. Anthony Portantino, among others. Elen has refused to take money from any PACS, special interest groups and organizations.
As of the filing deadline, incumbents Ara Najarian, Dan Brotman, and Vrej Agajanian raised $124,219, $106,320.00, and $42,360.00, respectively. The four non-incumbent candidates Anita Quinonez-Gabrielian, Isabel Valencia-Tevanyan, and Jordan Henry raised $28,880, $4,384, and $10,588 correspondingly. The final non-incumbent candidate Karen Kwak had yet to disclose donations raised.
Elen is a community organizer, human rights activist, former city commissioner, and a small business owner, who for over two decades has served as a bridge between residents, small businesses and government and community-based entities. Her accomplishments include the founding of the Glendale Domestic Violence Task Force, creating parternships for sexual assault and domestic violence awareness months, advocating for fair pay and affordable housing, and expanding green spaces and access to programs for low-income communities as chair of the Glendale, Parks, Recreations and Community Services Commission.
The Glendale City Council election is scheduled to take place on June 7. All registered voters should have already received their ballots in the mail. Voters may mail back their ballot, drop off or walk into any voting center until 8 pm on Election Day, June 7 to cast their vote.
To learn more about, get involved in, and contribute to Elen’s campaign, visit www.electelen.com. Asatryan’s campaign office is in full gear reaching out to voters. Residents and supporters are encouraged to stop by 900 W. Glenoaks Blvd Unit A, Glendale, CA 91202. Monday-Friday: 10:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m., Saturday-Sunday: 10:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m to help. For up-to-the-minute updates, follow the campaign’s social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @ElenAsatryan.
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