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John Armenian, CA-30 candidate, 2026 primary election questionnaire

May 5, 2026

Ahead of the June primary election, the Southern California News Group compiled a list of questions to pose to the candidates who wish to represent you. You can find the full questionnaire below. Questionnaires may have been edited for spelling, grammar, length and, in some instances, to remove hate speech and offensive language.

Name: John Armenian

Current job title: Aerospace Entrepreneur

Age: 79

Political party affiliation: No Party Preference

Incumbent: No

Other political positions held: None

City where you reside: Glendale

Campaign website or social media: johnarmenian.com

From voter ID to war powers and from immigration to tariffs, Congress has tackled many issues over the past year. What do you, though, see as the top three issues impacting Californians, and what specifically could you do as a lawmaker to address these issues? (Please answer in 250 words or less, and keep your response to future proposals.)

1) Restoring affordability.

Across California’s 30th District, families are feeling the squeeze of rising costs. Housing, groceries, gas, and childcare are stretching household budgets, and too many working families feel like they’re falling behind.

In Congress, I would focus on policies that lower costs and strengthen economic stability. That means supporting efforts to address inflation responsibly, increasing transparency in federal spending so taxpayers know where their money is going, and investing in industries that create good-paying jobs. By expanding opportunities in STEM fields, advanced technology, and skilled trades, we can help ensure District 30 residents have access to stable, high-quality careers.

2) World-class education for every child.

Every student deserves an education that prepares them for success, whether that path leads to college, the arts, or a skilled trade. Our schools should emphasize strong fundamentals like math, science, critical thinking, and creativity.

I support expanding STEM education and increasing federal support for career and technical training programs so students can pursue high-demand careers without taking on overwhelming student debt. We should value skilled trades and career pathways alongside traditional academic routes.

3) Good jobs and a thriving economy.

District 30 is powered by innovation and creativity. From entertainment workers in Burbank and Hollywood to small business owners in Glendale, our local economy depends on strong industries and entrepreneurial energy.

In Congress, I would support policies that strengthen small businesses, invest in innovation and infrastructure, and modernize federal programs to create good-paying jobs while supporting California’s creative and technology-driven economy.

Speaking of voter ID, the president has implored Congress to approve legislation that would require people to show proof of citizenship in order to vote. What role do you believe the federal government plays in telling states how to conduct their own elections, as dictated by the U.S. Constitution? (Please answer in 250 words or less.)

The U.S. Constitution gives primary authority over elections to the states, and I believe that principle is important to preserve. At the same time, the federal government has a role in protecting the integrity of federal elections and ensuring that every eligible citizen has the opportunity to vote. Our goal should always be twofold: protecting access to the ballot while maintaining confidence in the system.

I support efforts that strengthen election integrity and public trust. Only U.S. citizens should vote in federal elections, and states should have reliable systems in place to verify voter eligibility. Many everyday activities require identification, so it is reasonable for states to explore secure and practical ways to verify eligibility when people register or vote.

However, any approach must be implemented carefully so that it does not create unnecessary barriers for eligible voters. The focus should be on modernizing election systems, improving voter registration databases, and ensuring that verification processes are accurate, secure, and accessible.

The federal government should support states in strengthening election security and voter access, while respecting the constitutional balance that has guided our election system for generations.

What, in your opinion, should the federal government focus on when it comes to immigration policy? For example, do you place a priority on border security, visas for high-skilled workers, refuge for asylum seekers, etc., and why? (Please answer in 250 words or less.)

Immigration has always been central to America’s strength, and it is deeply personal to me. I came to this country, earned my education here, and built a successful company. The American Dream works when we have clear rules, fair pathways to citizenship, and policies that help newcomers succeed.

Today, our immigration system is outdated and dysfunctional. We need comprehensive reform that is both compassionate and practical.

First, the federal government must ensure an orderly and secure border. A system that is chaotic and unpredictable is unfair to the many immigrants who follow the process and wait years to come to the United States.

Second, we should create a responsible path to legal status for undocumented immigrants who are already contributing members of our communities—those who have lived here for several years, have no criminal record, and pay taxes. Bringing people out of the shadows strengthens our economy and our communities.

Third, our legal immigration system should better reflect the needs of our economy. Expanding visas for high-skilled workers, entrepreneurs, and critical industries can help drive innovation and growth.

Finally, successful immigration requires integration. Federal policy should support education, job training, and community programs that help new Americans thrive.

District 30 reflects the best of America’s immigrant story, from the large Armenian American community in Glendale to the diverse neighborhoods of Hollywood and West Hollywood. Smart, humane immigration policy will keep our communities strong and vibrant for generations to come.

It’s been over a year since Gov. Gavin Newsom asked the federal government for supplemental disaster aid to help Southern California communities rebuild after the devastating Palisades and Eaton wildfires, but neither President Donald Trump nor Congress has acted. What would you do to push for the funding, besides writing letters to the Trump administration or the leaders of Congress? (Please answer in 250 words or less.)

The communities impacted by the Palisades and Eaton wildfires cannot afford to wait years for help. When disaster strikes, the federal government has a responsibility to respond quickly and help communities rebuild.

As a member of Congress, I would take an aggressive approach to securing disaster funding. First, I would work directly with members of both parties to build a bipartisan coalition that pushes leadership to move disaster aid legislation forward. Disaster recovery should never be partisan.

Second, I would use every legislative tool available. That includes pushing to attach disaster relief funding to must-pass legislation such as federal budget bills or supplemental appropriations packages. If Congress is voting on funding to keep the government running, our communities deserve to be part of that conversation.

Third, I would work closely with local leaders, mayors, county officials, and emergency response agencies to ensure the full scale of the damage is documented and communicated directly to decision-makers in Washington.

Finally, I would use the public platform of the office to keep national attention on the issue until funding is delivered. When communities are recovering from disasters, silence and delay are not acceptable.

Southern California communities deserve a representative who will fight relentlessly to make sure federal disaster relief is delivered.

Do you support a ban or restriction on congressional lawmakers and their families from buying or selling individual stocks? Why or why not? And what would you propose to ensure lawmakers aren’t using their positions to engage in insider trading? (Please answer in 250 words or less.)

Yes. Members of Congress and their immediate families should be banned from trading individual stocks. Public officials should not be in a position where they can profit from information gained through their office.

Lawmakers should instead invest in broad index funds or diversified mutual funds to avoid conflicts of interest. We should also strengthen disclosure rules and enforce strict penalties for anyone who uses insider information for financial gain.

Do you support stronger regulations on pollution and carbon emissions? If so, how would you ensure those regulations aren’t overly burdensome on small businesses or lower-income families? And if not, how do you propose lawmakers protect the environment and curtail the impacts of climate change? (Please answer in 250 words or less.)

I believe planet Earth is a very special place. To the best of our knowledge, there is no other planet like it. Its environment is unique, and preserving life here must be a priority. I support responsible regulations that reduce pollution and carbon emissions because protecting our planet is essential for future generations. At the same time, policies should be designed carefully so they don’t place unnecessary burdens on small businesses or lower-income families, while still ensuring we take meaningful action to protect the environment.

President Donald Trump has significantly increased spending for the U.S. Department of Defense. Would you, as a member of Congress, approve additional dollars for the military if the president were to ask for more funding? How would you ensure that any military spending does not end up putting the American people or national security in harm’s way? (Please answer in 250 words or less.)

Defense spending should always be evaluated in the context of the entire federal budget. Today, roughly two-thirds of federal spending goes toward entitlement programs such as Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, and other mandatory spending. Meanwhile, the federal deficit is projected to remain around $1.5–$2 trillion per year.

Interest on the national debt now consumes roughly 14% of the federal budget, more than we spend on defense, which is about 13%. When you look specifically at research, development, and acquisition, it represents only a small portion of total federal spending.

Because of that, decisions about defense funding should not be made in isolation. If additional funding is necessary to protect American national security, I would review it carefully and support it where justified. However, Congress also has a responsibility to ensure that taxpayer dollars are spent efficiently.

Ultimately, addressing our long-term fiscal challenges requires looking across the entire federal budget. If we want to responsibly reduce the deficit by meaningful amounts—such as $250 billion per year—we must evaluate all areas of spending, not just defense.

Under what specific circumstances do you believe the U.S. should engage in a war? (Please answer in 250 words or less.)

The United States should only engage in war when it is absolutely necessary to protect national security. War must always be the last resort, used only when diplomacy and other options have been exhausted.

One clear circumstance is when the safety and security of the United States or its people are directly threatened. Another is when our allies and partners face serious threats that could destabilize regions critical to global security. Strong alliances are an essential part of national security. When our allies are threatened or weakened, it ultimately makes the United States weaker as well.

Any decision to go to war must be carefully evaluated by Congress and the president, with clear objectives, strong alliances, and a defined strategy to protect American lives and national interests.

Do you believe a president should seek congressional approval before engaging in military action overseas? Why, or why not? (Please answer in 250 words or less.)

Yes, for any extended or large-scale military operation, the president should seek congressional approval. Decisions that could put American lives at risk and commit the country to war deserve the debate and authorization of the people’s representatives.

At the same time, there may be situations involving imminent threats where the president must act quickly to protect American lives or national security. In those cases, immediate action may be necessary, but Congress should be informed as soon as possible and involved in any continued military engagement.

Congress, in theory, is supposed to serve as a check on the president through budgetary, legislative and oversight powers. Do you believe Congress has fulfilled that obligation during the past two administrations, with one being a Democrat and the other a Republican? Why or why not? (Please answer in 250 words or less.)

I don’t believe Congress has fully fulfilled that responsibility.

The clearest example is the federal deficit and national debt. Both parties talk about fiscal responsibility when they are out of power, but when they are in power, the difficult decisions are often avoided.

Too often, political incentives drive short-term promises rather than long-term solutions. Many career politicians focus on staying in office instead of addressing structural fiscal challenges that require bipartisan cooperation.

As an independent, I believe Congress must take this responsibility more seriously. I would not support a federal budget that ignores the deficit and debt. We need a long-term fiscal strategy that responsibly reduces the deficit, by targeting reductions of around $250 billion per year, while protecting essential programs.

Addressing this issue will require working across the aisle and being honest with the American people about what the federal government can sustainably deliver over the long term.

Governments around the world are increasingly considering an age ban or other restrictions on social media use among young people, citing mental health and other concerns. Should Congress adopt such restrictions? If so, what specific restrictions do you propose? (Please answer in 250 words or less.)

I believe we need stronger protections for young people when it comes to social media, but the solution must be practical and enforceable.

Children should have the opportunity to develop critical thinking, focus, and real-world social skills without constant exposure to digital platforms. I believe schools should prioritize traditional learning and limit the use of computerized tools, especially AI, through at least the end of middle school, so students can focus on foundational skills and learning how to think.

When it comes to social media, I believe platforms should generally not be used by children under the age of 15. These platforms can have serious impacts on mental health, attention, and development.

At the same time, enforcement is a real challenge. Congress should focus on clear national guidelines, stronger age verification standards for social media companies, and requirements that platforms take responsibility for protecting young users.

Statistically, violent crime rates in California are on the decline, yet residents still don’t feel safe or at ease in their communities. How do you see your role in Congress in addressing the underlying issues that make Californians feel unsafe in their own neighborhoods? (Please answer in 250 words or less.)

While statistics may show violent crime declining, many people still feel unsafe in their neighborhoods. In my own community, we see more private patrols and hear about robberies happening in broad daylight. That sense of insecurity affects how people live their daily lives.

Public safety is fundamental to a functioning society. In many ways, internal safety and stability are just as important as external national security. Crime itself is often the back end of deeper problems. The front end includes education, economic opportunity, and broader social challenges. When people have access to quality education and real economic pathways, they are more likely to build stable lives and far less likely to turn to crime.

In Congress, my role would be to support policies that strengthen those foundations—investing in education, workforce development, and economic opportunity—while also ensuring communities have the resources they need to keep neighborhoods safe.

There are term limits to serve in the California Legislature, but none to serve in Congress. Would you advocate for term limits for House members? Why or why not? If you support term limits, how many years maximum should a House member be allowed to serve? (Please answer in 250 words or less.)

Yes, I support term limits for members of Congress. Public service should not become a lifelong career.

I would support a maximum of 10 years (five terms) in the House of Representatives and 12 years (two terms) in the Senate. This would allow enough time for lawmakers to gain experience while ensuring new leadership and fresh ideas regularly enter Congress.

What’s a hidden talent you have? (Please answer in 250 words or less.)

One of my hidden talents is being principled while still keeping an open mind. I try to listen carefully, respect different perspectives, and have thoughtful conversations, even with people I strongly disagree with.

Orange County Register

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John Armenian, CA-30 candidate, 2026 primary election questionnaire

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