Dr. Jirair Ratevosian, a former advisor to the Biden State Department and a one-time legislative director for Rep. Barbara Lee, has announced a substantial fundraising total of $100,000 in the first month of his campaign for California’s 30th Congressional District.
Ratevosian made the announcement on Friday, underscoring the early success of his campaign. As an openly gay son of Armenian immigrants, he represents both generational change and increased diversity for a district known for its sizable Armenian-American community.
“I am truly humbled by the overwhelming support and generosity we have received in the first month of our campaign,” said Ratevosian. “This milestone reflects our supporters’ shared belief in creating opportunities for all to achieve their American dream.”
Ratevosian’s successful first month of fundraising points to the potential of his candidacy, but three of his 16 opponents (Mike Feuer, Anthony Portantino, Nick Melvoin) had already raised more than $500,000 by the March 31 Federal Elections Commission campaign finance reports, and those amounts are likely to have grown since then. Melvoin’s campaign has spent the most so far with $42,734.72 in expenditures.
His fundraising totals draw from a broad range of supporters, from small-dollar donors to larger contributors, all showing a vote of confidence in his vision for an inclusive and progressive future.
“I am ready to serve on DAY ONE,” stated Ratevosian. “I am running for Congress to bring my federal and lived experience to the table, and to bring my record of solving complex challenges to fight for bipartisan and progressive solutions for our community.”
California’s 30th Congressional District, currently represented by Rep. Adam Schiff, is located in Los Angeles County. It includes the cities of Pasadena, Glendale, Burbank, West Hollywood, Sunland, Tujunga, and Hancock Park. Schiff is vacating the seat to run for U.S. Senate. In 2022, he won the district, which leans Democratic, with 71% of the vote. The district boasts the highest number of Armenian-American voting-age citizens in the country at 14%.