InternationalArmenian American in race for Maryland Delegate seat
Published: Friday June 25, 2010
Hrant Jamgochian.
Bethesda, Md. - Hrant Jamgochian is seeking to become first Armenian American to serve in the Maryland House of Delegates. His campaign will kick-off on June 27 at Jamgochian's home at 6010 Ryland Drive in Bethesda.
In a recent interview with The Armenian Reporter Jamgochian described his more than a decade-long track record of health, environmental and Armenian-American advocacy that makes him well-positioned to win the Democratic Party primary set for September 14.
"Much of the new federal health reform law will be implemented at the state level," Jamgochian said. "And with my experience and training I am uniquely quaified to ensure that Maryland takes advantage of every opportunity in the new law."
Jamgochian, 37 currently serves as the director of health policy for United Way Worldwide, where he works with the organization's 1,200 state and local affiliates to help improve the health of all Americans. Previously he worked as director of congressional and state relations at the American Pharmacists Association and before that at the American Psychological Association. He is also active on environmental issues, currently serving on the local Sierra Club executive committe.
If elected Jamgochian would also draw on the experience of his years of Armenian American advocacy. Working at the Armenian Assembly of America from 1997 to 2002, he helped to advance human rights through advocating for Armenian Genocide affirmation while promoting U.S. foreign policy through engagement with Armenia and Karabakh.
He remains active on Armenian American issues and his campaign has received early endorsements from area Armenian Americans, including veteran issues advocate Annie Totah and Maryland businessman Aris Mardirossian, who serve as Honorary Co-chairs for his campaign.
Jamgochian is also a member of the Maryland Mayflower Society being 13th in descent from William Bradford and 8th in descent from Revolutionary War Veteran Samuel Wheat through his maternal line.
A member of the Maryland, Washington, DC and Supreme Court Bars, Jamgochian received his J.D. from the Catholic University of America and his LL.M. from the Georgetown University Law Center.
Getting the message out
After a late resignation by one of the incumbents in the district, who left to serve in the Obama Administration, several other candidates joined Jamgochian who is working hard to get his message out to some 48,000 registered Democrats in Maryland's 16th.
Candidates are now aiming to step up their fundraising ahead of the August 14 filing deadline for contributions. Key endorsements, such as those from the Washington Post, Montgomery Gazette, Progressive Maryland, Sierra Club and other groups are likely to be based on how well candidates fundraise and rally voters.
The next two months will be busy for Jamgochian, as he plans to network with voters via mail, social-networking sites, as well as by knocking on doors and handing out flyers at metro stops and various area events.
"I see myself as the inclusive candidate, one with a diverse background and set of life experiences, who has the unique perspective and commitment to represent everyone in my diverse district well. At the same time, I know how much it means to so many in our community who would love to see the first Armenian American elected in Maryland and encourage everyone to support our campaign," Jamgochian said.
Contact the Jamgochian campaign via http://www.friendsofhrant.org/, e-mail info@FriendsOfHrant.org, facebook www.facebook.com/HrantForDelegate, twitter www.twitter.com/FriendsOfHrant or by telephone (301) 493-5740.
