Recognition honors his legislative work on Armenian American inclusion, advocacy for Armenian prisoners and displaced Artsakh Armenians, and efforts to strengthen California-Armenia ties
LOS ANGELES, CA – Assemblymember John Harabedian (D-Pasadena) received the Armenian National Committee of American-Western Region’s (ANCA-WR) 2026 Legislator of the Year Award at the organization’s annual gala on Sunday, October 11 in Los Angeles.
As the only Armenian American currently serving in the California State Legislature, Harabedian has brought Armenian issues directly to the Legislature. His great-grandparents survived the Armenian Genocide, and their experience continues to inform his promise to preserving Armenian history and identity and advocating for human rights.
“Our history is not something we inherit simply to remember. We inherit it with a responsibility to carry it forward. For me, that means using the seat I hold in the California Legislature to make sure Armenian Americans are seen in our laws, that the rights and dignity of Armenians are defended, and that the relationship between California and Armenia continues to grow. I’m honored by this recognition from the ANCA-Western Region. The Armenian community has spent generations making sure our history is never forgotten. I see my work as part of that same responsibility,” said Assemblymember John Harabedian (D-Pasadena).
The award recognizes Harabedian’s legislative work and advocacy on issues affecting Armenian Americans, Armenia, and Artsakh.
In 2025, Harabedian passed AB 91, the MENA Inclusion Act, into law. The legislation expanded demographic data collection to better reflect California’s Middle Eastern and North African communities, including Armenian Americans.
Harabedian has also advocated for the release of Armenian prisoners of war, hostages, and political prisoners held in Azerbaijan, as well as the right of return for Armenians forcibly displaced from Artsakh. In April 2026, he led a bipartisan letter signed by more than 25 members of the Legislature calling for action on these issues.
Earlier this year, Harabedian also chaired the newly established Assembly Select Committee on California and Armenia Mutual Trade, Art, and Cultural Exchange. The committee examines opportunities to strengthen economic, educational, and cultural ties between California and Armenia.
Harabedian represents California’s 41st Assembly District, which includes communities across the San Gabriel Valley and portions of Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties. He serves as Chair of the Joint Legislative Audit Committee, Chair of the Armenian Legislative Caucus Foundation, and Chair of the Assembly Select Committee on California and Armenia Mutual Trade, Art, and Cultural Exchange.
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