Armen Kurdian
Republican | California
Candidate Profile
Conservative
BIOGRAPHY
EDUCATION
Cornell Johnson Graduate School of Management, Ithaca, MBA, 2012-2014
Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, MS, Aeronautical Engineering, 2000-2001
U.S. Naval War College, Monterey, National Security Policy, 2000-2001
University of Kansas, Lawrence, BS, Aerospace Engineering, 1988-1993
Queen's University of Canada, Kingston, MBA, 2012-2014
Brookings Institute, Washington, DC, Certificate in Public Policy, 2016-2019
WORK & MILITARY
U.S. Navy, Captain
U.S. Navy, E-2C Hawkeye, Flight Officer
U.S. Navy, Space & Naval Warfare Systems Command
AFFILIATIONS
Veterans Writing Group of North County, Board Member / VP / Secretary
Lincoln Club Business League, Chair, Policy Roundtable Committee
San Diego County Palomar Airport Advisory Committee, Advisor
POLITICAL OFFICES HELD
Republican Central Committee, 2024-
POLITICAL OFFICES SOUGHT
U.S. Congress District 49, 2026-
California State Senate District 38, 2026-
Vista City Council, 2022-
ENDORSEMENTS
CONSERVATIVE (11)
Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association PAC
California Republican Assembly
California Republican Party
Republican Party of Orange County
Brian Jones
OTHER (1)
California Women's Leadership Association CWLA PAC
REPORTED BY CANDIDATE (10)
Hon. Darrell Issa
Hon. Ken Calvert
Hon. Jim Desmond
Hon. Don Wagner
California Republican Party
SELECTED CONTRIBUTIONS
CONSERVATIVE
GIVEN BY CANDIDATE (7)
James "Jim" M. Desmond (2026)
Armen Kurdian (2026)
Local, County, and District Republican Organizations (2026)
State Republican Party Organizations (2026)
WinRed (2026)
RECEIVED BY CANDIDATE (5)
James "Jim" M. Desmond (2026)
Armen Kurdian (2026)
Majority PAC (2026)
Reform Leaders PAC (2026)
WinRed (2026)
OTHER INFORMATION
QUESTIONNAIRE
RIGHT TO LIFE
Human life deserves legal protection from conception until natural death.
Strongly Agree
The lives of human embryos created through artificial methods ought to be protected from purposeful destruction.
Agree
There may be circumstances where an embryo is created, and then something happens to the parents, such as unexpected death from an accident, and they wouldn't want anyone else to have their child. There is a lot of work to be done in this area.
Under what circumstances should an elective abortion be allowed?
A serious and genuine case where the health of the mother is in danger, not just an elevated risk. And in the case of rape, where the mother has received counseling but is too traumatized to carry the child to term.
Abortion providers, including Planned Parenthood, should receive taxpayer funds from federal, state, or local governments (including Title X grants).
Strongly Disagree
The Comstock Act, which bans interstate transportation of abortion-inducing drugs, should be enforced.
Strongly Agree
ECONOMY
Free enterprise and the right to private property are essential elements of a productive economic system.
Strongly Agree
People who can afford to pay more taxes should do so in order to provide relief for working families.
Agree
The government should cut spending in order to reduce the national debt.
Strongly Agree
List your top 3-5 priorities to eliminate government waste.
Stop Corruption: Provide strict oversight to ensure tax dollars are being used honestly. Limit Time in Office: Support term limits so politicians do not gain too much power. Transparency: Provide easy access understanding how our elected leaders spend our money, make decisions and vote on our behalf. Put People First: Prioritize what is best for American people, not special interest groups. Accountability: Hold elected officials responsible when we find fraud, money wasted or job failure.
RELIGIOUS LIBERTY
Individuals and businesses should be required to provide services even if it would violate their moral and/or religious beliefs.
Disagree
If you own a business that makes money, I believe you should have to serve everyone fairly, even if you disagree with their beliefs. For-profit businesses get certain benefits from the government to operate in the marketplace, so it is fair to expect them not to discriminate against people because of their religious or moral beliefs. However, non-profit organizations should have the freedom to decide who they serve based on the beliefs of the organization.
What does "separation of church and state" mean to you?
To me, separation of church and state means that the government should not create or force people to follow one religion. However, America was founded on many Judeo-Christian values, and those values have played an important role in shaping our country and our government.
HEALTHCARE
What most closely matches your view on healthcare: A) Healthcare for all should be guaranteed and funded by the government with no private healthcare option. (includes "universal healthcare," "medicare for all," etc.) B) Healthcare insurance funded by the government should be available for all who want it, along with private healthcare options. C) Medicaid and Medicare should remain available, but no other taxpayer-funded programs are necessary. D) Taxpayer funded health care should be abolished in all forms, and Medicaid and Medicare should be defunded.
C) Medicaid and Medicare should remain available, but no other taxpayer-funded programs are necessary. Unfortunately, the healthcare section seems to have overlooked caring for our Veterans and active military.
The government should keep a database of people with various ongoing medical illnesses to assess the economic burden of treatment.
Strongly Agree
If the government provides health care, we should make sure the system works well and does not waste money. We should look for common health problems and find ways to prevent them early. Preventive care can help people stay healthier and save money over time.
NATIONAL SECURITY
With regard to America's foreign policy, which view most closely resembles yours: A) The United States should intervene whenever freedom is threatened. B) The United States should selectively help countries trying to grow democracy and fight tyranny. C) The United States has become too involved in others' policies and should remain focused on issues regarding our own sovereignty unless in imminent danger. D) The United States should stay out of foreign conflicts completely.
C) The United States has become too involved in others' policies and should remain focused on issues regarding our own sovereignty unless in imminent danger.
The Chinese Communist Party poses serious military, cyber security, intellectual property, and global economic threats to the United States.
Strongly Agree
Is the United States' relationship with Israel important, and if so why?
Yes, I believe the United States’ relationship with Israel is important. Israel is an important ally in the Middle East and helps protect against threats. Israel is also a democracy and has a strong economy, making it an important trade and security partner for the United States.
Islamic terrorism is a threat to the United States' national security.
Strongly Agree
IMMIGRATION
Who should be allowed to immigrate to the U.S. and under what circumstances?
I believe people should be allowed to immigrate to the United States if they are willing to work, follow our laws, learn English, respect American values, and become part of their communities. However, immigration should have reasonable limits so that it can be managed safely and fairly.
I support the existence of sanctuary cities to protect undocumented persons.
Strongly Disagree
EDUCATION
I support eliminating the U.S. Department of Education and giving control back to states and communities.
Agree
I support eliminating the U.S. Department of Education and giving more control over schools back to states and local communities. Some of its jobs could be moved to other government agencies. We could also create a program that gives federal scholarships to students based on their hard work and achievements. Overall, I believe we can close the Department of Education.
Foreign governments should be prohibited from funding American education.
Choose not to answer
I believe we need stronger rules about foreign countries funding American education. However, not all international funding is bad. American schools and researchers often work with other countries on important projects, especially in science and national security. These partnerships can help the United States, so they should be allowed with clear rules and oversight.
VALUES
Attempts to physically or socially transition a child to the opposite sex constitute child abuse.
Strongly Agree
Marriage is a God-ordained, sacred and legal union of one man and one woman. No government has the authority to alter this definition.
Agree
I believe marriage is a sacred union between one man and one woman. However, I also believe the government can recognize civil unions that give couples certain legal rights and protections.
Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values.
I am a Christian, and I believe there is good in everyone. I believe we should help people get back on their feet and have the opportunity to succeed, but I also believe people should work hard and take responsibility for themselves.
ELECTIONS AND VOTING
People should be able to vote without photo identification.
Strongly Disagree
EQUALITY
Biological males should not be allowed to participate in women's sports or occupy biological women's spaces whether it be bathrooms, locker rooms, sorority houses, women's shelters, or prison.
Strongly Agree
I can't believe this is actually a topic of conversation in today's world.
ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT
What do you believe is the most reliable energy source that will supply the growing demand for electricity?
I support nuclear energy and continuing research on nuclear fusion because they can provide clean, safe, and reliable energy for the future.
ABOUT YOU
Have you ever been penalized for sexual misconduct in either civil or criminal court? If so, please explain.
No
Have you ever been convicted of a felony? If so, please explain.
No
When you consider your views on a wide range of issues from economic and social matters to foreign policy and religious liberty, which of the following best describes you overall?
Conservative
CRIMINAL JUSTICE & PUBLIC SAFETY
Government has a responsibility to protect children from sexual exploitation during online activities.
Strongly Agree
Yes, the government has a responsibility to help protect children from sexual exploitation online, but parents have an important role too. Parents need to be involved, know what their children are doing online, and teach them how to stay safe. Protecting children is a shared responsibility between parents and the government.
2ND AMENDMENT
What restrictions on gun ownership are needed to protect public safety?
I believe we should keep the current restrictions on guns, including restrictions on fully automatic weapons and other weapons that are mainly designed for military use. These rules can help protect public safety while respecting the Second Amendment.
