GLENDALE — Councilmember and former Mayor Elen Asatryan, the first Armenian-American woman, first immigrant woman, and youngest woman ever to serve as Mayor of Glendale, is the only candidate in the race with more than 26 years of policy, advocacy, and grassroots organizing experience on the local, state and federal levels. She is heading into the June 2 election with a broad coalition of labor organizations, public safety, business, women and elected backing, anchoring her reelection campaign on affordability and equitable access to a City Hall she says should work for everyday residents and small businesses, not just the well-connected.
A Record Built On Delivering Results
Asatryan’s reelection bid is built on a four-year record of measurable outcomes for residents and small businesses. During her tenure on the Council, the city has seen a 13.45% overall reduction in crime and a 41.3% decrease in residential burglaries, alongside the filling of all 248 sworn police positions and the addition of 23 more officers.
Her economic agenda has centered on cutting bureaucratic red tape, modernizing the city’s permitting process, and championing the annual Let’s Grow Glendale Small Business Summit. She has voted against tax increases, fee hikes, and electric rate increases, framing affordability for renters, seniors, and multi-generational families as a throughline of her work.
“Loving Glendale means fighting for it,” Asatryan said. “I’m running to keep fighting for a Glendale where people can build a life, feel they belong, and trust that their city is showing up for them every single day.”
Steady Leadership In A Moment Of Crisis
Asatryan’s tenure as Mayor was tested during the 2025 wildfires, when she worked alongside first responders and public safety officials to keep residents safe and informed.
That period reinforced the leadership style she has carried into the race, one focused on coordination, communication, and showing up when the stakes are highest.
A Story That Reflects The Community
Asatryan’s connection to Glendale, and to the Armenian-American community, is deeply personal. She arrived as a child immigrant who understood firsthand what it meant to navigate language barriers, rising costs, and unfamiliar government systems while her family worked to build a stable life.
That lived experience shaped a career of public service. For more than 11 years she served as Executive Director of ANCA Glendale and later the ANCA Western Region, where in 2012 she launched the HyeVotes initiative, bringing 50,000 new Armenian voters into the democratic process.
“My deep community ties and service over the course of more than 26 years have prepared me for the challenges Glendale faces,” she said.
Armenian Representation And A Record Of Recognition
Asatryan’s advocacy has produced concrete wins for the Armenian-American community at the local, state, and federal levels from Armenian Genocide recognition in states like Wyoming, Texas, Utah to recognition of Artsakh by states of California and Hawaii. She helped secure the mandate of Armenian Genocide education in California public schools, organized the closure of Glendale schools on April 24 in commemoration of the Genocide, and secured the translation of LA County ballots into Armenian.
On the Council, she has expanded multilingual access to city services, advocated for the historic inclusion of an Armenian checkbox on California state forms, supported the Armenian American Museum, and strengthened Glendale’s sister city relationships with Kapan, Gyumri, Yerevan’s Kentron District, and occupied Artsakh’s Martuni, now a lasting legacy in the city committee. For her work, she was awarded the Republic of Artsakh’s “Gratitude” Medal.
Bringing The City Together
Beyond policy, Asatryan has championed cultural programming that brings Glendale’s communities together, from the Vardavar and Tsakhkazard festivals to a partnership with the California Chess Federation and American Chess Academy that brought the Southern California Chess Tournament to Glendale from San Diego.
A Strong Coalition Of Support
Asatryan’s campaign has secured endorsements spanning public safety, county leadership, and Glendale’s elected officials, including the sole early endorsement from the Glendale Police Officers’ Association and the Glendale Firefighters Association, distinguishing her as the strongest champion for public safety. She is also endorsed by LA County Supervisor Kathryn Barger, Assemblymember John Harabedian, Mayor Ardy Kassakhian, former Glendale Mayor and current City Treasurer Rafi Manoukian, and National Women’s Political Caucus. Asatryan is the only candidate endorsed by the above collectively and 320+ organizations, elected and community leaders.
A Call To Finish The Work
With the election one day away, Asatryan is the candidate with both the record and the readiness to keep moving Glendale forward.
“We’ve made progress, but too many are still being left behind,” she said. “I’m running to keep fighting for a Glendale that shows up for everyone.”
