Adrin Nazarian

Adrin Nazarian is a former American politician who served as a member of the California State Assembly, representing the 46th Assembly District from 2012 to 2022. A member of the California Democratic Party, he has been involved in various public service roles throughout his career. In 2024, he transitioned to a position on the Los Angeles City Council, representing the 2nd district. Nazarian's political career has been marked by his focus on community engagement, economic development, and advocacy for underrepresented groups.

Early life and career

Adrin Nazarian was born on March 19, 1973, in Iran. His family immigrated to the United States when he was a child, settling in the San Fernando Valley in Southern California. This early experience of immigration and adaptation to a new culture would later inform his political perspectives and community engagement efforts. Nazarian grew up in the San Fernando Valley and pursued higher education at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics in 1996.

Following his graduation, Nazarian participated in the Coro Fellowship in Public Affairs, a program designed to prepare emerging leaders for public service roles. His career in politics began in earnest when he served as an aide to Congressman Brad Sherman from 1997 to 1999. During this time, he focused on issues related to business and labor communities, gaining valuable experience in the intricacies of legislative processes and constituent services.

In 1999, Nazarian was appointed by then-Governor Gray Davis as Special Assistant to the California Trade and Commerce Agency. His work at the agency included the establishment of the Division of Science, Technology and Innovation, which aimed to foster technology-based job creation in California. This role further solidified his commitment to economic development and innovation within the state.

Nazarian's political career continued to evolve when he became the chief of staff to Assemblymember Paul Krekorian in 2006. He held this position until Krekorian was elected to the Los Angeles City Council in 2010. Following Krekorian's election, Nazarian continued to serve as his chief of staff at City Hall until he decided to run for the California State Assembly himself in 2012.

Legislative service

Adrin Nazarian was elected to the California State Assembly in 2012, representing the 46th Assembly District, which encompasses parts of the central and southern San Fernando Valley. During his tenure, which lasted until 2022, he focused on a variety of legislative issues, including economic development, social justice, and community welfare.

Nazarian's legislative efforts included a strong emphasis on diversity and inclusion. He was a proponent of Assembly Bill 979, which was enacted in 2020 and mandated that publicly held corporations in California include a minimum number of directors from underrepresented communities on their boards. This legislation aimed to enhance diversity in corporate governance and promote equitable representation.

In 2022, Nazarian sought to expand the definition of underrepresented communities through Assembly Bill 1840, which aimed to include additional groups such as Armenians, Assyrians, Greeks, Jews, Muslims, Sikhs, and individuals with disabilities. This initiative reflected his commitment to advocating for marginalized communities and ensuring that their voices were heard in legislative discussions.

Nazarian was also active in addressing international issues, particularly concerning Armenia and Artsakh. In response to the Second Nagorno-Karabakh War, he publicly called for greater international recognition of the challenges faced by the Armenian people. He emphasized the need for accountability from global leaders regarding their responses to the conflict. Additionally, he introduced Assembly Bill 1815, which sought to protect Armenian cultural heritage by prohibiting California museums that receive public funding from displaying items from countries that have been judged adversely by the International Court of Justice for cultural heritage destruction.

Throughout his time in the Assembly, Nazarian maintained a focus on LGBTQ+ rights as well. In 2021, he introduced Assembly Bill 465, which mandated cultural competency training for professional fiduciaries regarding LGBTQ+ issues. This legislation aimed to ensure that professionals in the field were equipped to provide sensitive and informed services to LGBTQ+ individuals.

Policy focus and district

As a legislator, Adrin Nazarian concentrated on several key policy areas that reflected the needs and interests of his constituents in the 46th Assembly District. His background in economics informed his approach to economic development, where he sought to create job opportunities and support local businesses. His work at the California Trade and Commerce Agency and as chief of staff provided him with insights into the challenges and opportunities facing the region.

Nazarian's commitment to community engagement was evident through his involvement in various local organizations. He served on the boards of community-based organizations such as the East Valley YMCA and the YWCA, demonstrating his dedication to social services and community welfare. He was also a founding member of the Generation Next Mentorship program, which aimed to provide young people with alternatives to gang involvement and substance abuse.

In addition to his legislative work, Nazarian was active in fundraising and community events, including hosting a fundraiser for the GALAS LGBTQ+ Armenian Society, which highlighted his support for LGBTQ+ rights and his connection to the Armenian community.

In February 2022, Nazarian announced that he would not seek reelection for the California State Assembly. Instead, he expressed his intention to run for a seat on the Los Angeles City Council in 2024, aiming to continue his public service in a new capacity. His decision to transition to city government reflects his ongoing commitment to serving the community and addressing local issues.

Adrin Nazarian's career in public service has been characterized by his dedication to economic development, social justice, and community engagement. His experiences as an immigrant and his professional background have shaped his approach to legislation and advocacy, making him a notable figure in California politics.