As politicians play their version of musical chairs, it is having an effect on political races in the San Fernando Valley.
The death of U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein prompted Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Burbank, to run for the U.S. Senate, which caused Assembly member Laura Friedman, D-Glendale, to run for Schiff’s seat in Congress — leaving her 44th Assembly District without an incumbent.
Likewise, the pending retirement of Rep Tony Cardenas, D-Pacoima, left Assembly District 43 open as its representative, Luz Rivas, decided to run for the congressional seat instead.
In the AD 44th’s March 5 primary contest, the rush to fill the void has drawn eight candidates: six Democrats, one Republican and a candidate with no party preference, Adam Summer, who opted not to participate in this story.
The boundaries of the district were redrawn during statewide redistricting in 2022, and the reshaped 44th now includes Sherman Oaks, Studio City, Sunland, Tujunga, North Glendale, Montrose, La Crescenta, Shadow Hills, North Hollywood, Burbank, Toluca Lake and Valley Village.
Democrats make up 51% of registered voters, with Republicans at 19% and those not registered with any party at 24%. The top two vote-getters move on to the general election in November.
The candidates were given questions to answer in an email. Some preferred to be interviewed. In some instances, the candidate’s website statements were used. Here’s what they said:
Elen Asatryan (D)
Asatryan, 42, is a businesswoman and a member of the Glendale City Council.
She’s running on her experience as a city council member and if elected would be the first Armenian woman to serve in the California state legislature.
As a council member, she touted her “proactive approach” to the housing crisis by connecting social workers to the unhoused, resulting in one of the lowest number of homeless compared to neighboring cities. To expand these policies in Sacramento, she would work to expedite access to shelter…
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