Armen Kurdian
R
Advanced from the June 2, 2026 top-two primary with 26.1% of the vote, defeating fellow Republican Star Parker.
Armen Kurdian is a retired U.S. Navy captain with over 25 years of service running as the Republican candidate for CA-49. He describes himself as a community volunteer and has not previously held elected office.[3]
Basic profile — the most important sourced facts we found.
Positions on the issues
- SupportsPublic funding for school choice (vouchers / charters)
Says schools should focus on core academic subjects and trades training and criticizes current public-school curricula, consistent with support for alternatives to traditional public schools.[3]
“Public school enrollment is at the lowest point since 1990. Schools are failing our kids, especially those of lower income who are unable to attend private or alternative schools.”
In their words — priorities
- Reducing the cost of living, saying it is his top priority and citing residents leaving California over costs and job losses.[3]
- Improving public schools by focusing on core curriculum and vocational/trades training rather than what he calls polarizing social issues.[3]
- Rebuilding California's manufacturing and shipbuilding industries by working with business and labor.[3]
Background
Campaign money
Raised $59K · spent $41K · $18K cash on hand (through 2026-06-30) FEC filing ↗