OPINION | Leaving Armenia Behind, But Not Our Values: A Fight for the American Dream in CA Assembly District 40
Opinion piece by Nuné Gipson
As a first-generation Armenian-American immigrant, I intimately understand the profound sacrifice of leaving behind everything—family, traditions, and home—in the pursuit of the American Dream. My parents faced a tough decision when they left Armenia to give my siblings and me a shot at a better life. They sacrificed all they knew for that dream, and now, my husband, Patrick Lee Gipson, and I are committed to fighting for that same dream as he runs for the California State Assembly.
The journey away from Armenia was far from easy for my parents. My father’s family had already experienced migration, uprooting themselves from Iran to Armenia in 1946. My mother, who was born and raised in Armenia, left behind her entire family, all in the hope of creating a brighter future for her children. Their resilience is a constant reminder that we must fight fiercely to safeguard the freedoms and opportunities we sought by coming here.
Why We Got Involved In Politics?
In 2020, our sense of stability was shaken, not by external forces, but by the very government meant to protect us. California’s overreach has increasingly intruded into our personal lives—dictating how we raise our children, live our lives, and earn our livelihoods. This is why my husband and I are taking a stand.
In our Armenian household, we uphold deeply conservative values—faith, family, and community. But today, those values are under threat by a supermajority that is passing laws in direct contradiction to our cultural beliefs and freedoms. It feels heartbreakingly reminiscent of what my family once left behind.
I refuse to run any longer. We must not allow the government to strip away our values, our rights, and our way of life. The Armenian community here in California has a voice, and now is the time to use it.
Who Is Patrick Lee Gipson & Why He’s Running for CA State Assembly Dist. 40
My husband, Patrick, has served this community for over 24 years as a Deputy Sheriff for Los Angeles County, safeguarding families, children, and businesses.
Growing up, Patrick and his family experienced the challenges of homelessness, drug addiction in his own family, and financial instability—right here in the Santa Clarita Valley.
He knows what our community faces and he’s prepared to lead the charge for change.
Patrick’s ties to this community run deep. Born in Granada Hills and raised between Santa Clarita and the San Fernando Valleys, he has witnessed the transformation of our neighborhoods firsthand—now facing floods of drugs and homelessness, struggling schools, and businesses forced to close due to rising costs and crime. The past two years have laid bare a broken system, and it’s time for a leader who truly understands the depth of these challenges and has practical solutions to fix them.
Our community, especially the Armenian-American community, deserves a strong, unwavering voice—a voice that won’t compromise, that will fight to reform the failing policies. Patrick is that voice. He isn’t running just to add another political title; he’s running to secure the future of our children, our families, and our neighborhoods.
The Armenian community has contributed immensely to California, and it’s time to protect what we’ve built. Electing Patrick to the State Assembly isn’t just a victory for our family—it’s a win for every Armenian family and every family that believes in the American Dream.
While Patrick never aspired to be a politician, he believes it’s time for someone with real-world experience to lead. It’s time to elect someone like Patrick, who has solutions to the issues we are facing.
Support and Endorsements for Patrick Lee Gipson
Patrick has garnered substantial support and influential endorsements for his bid for the State Assembly. His endorsements include multiple law enforcement agencies, the entire Santa Clarita City Council and its Mayor, District 12 City Councilman John Lee, the Armenian National Committee of America Western Region, former Los Angeles County Supervisor Michael Antonovich, and many more. A particularly notable endorsement comes from the Daily News Editorial Board .
The results of the March 2024 Primary sent a clear message and provided a strong boost to Patrick’s campaign. He secured 49.8% of the district’s votes against the incumbent, who outspent him by a staggering 10-to-1 margin. This outcome shows the momentum and widespread community backing for Patrick’s run.
Make Your Votes Count!
Patrick’s top priorities are to restore public safety in our communities and ensure criminals face real consequences. He is committed to bringing transparency and accountability to a state government that misuses taxpayer dollars on ineffective programs. Patrick aims to slash burdensome gas taxes, property taxes, and the excessive taxation that’s crippling California. He will champion small businesses, driving economic growth and making California an affordable place to live and thrive once again.
It’s time to act. Let’s put an end to government overreach and protect our way of life.
Vote for Patrick Lee Gipson, the candidate with the courage, experience, and solutions to turn things around.
Together, we can restore California to the state it was meant to be—a place where freedom, opportunity, and values truly matter.
About the author :
Nuné Gipson is a dedicated professional with a diverse background, including an MBA from the University of La Verne. As a mother of three and the supportive wife of Retired Deputy Sheriff Patrick Lee Gipson, who is currently running for California State Assembly District 40, Nuné brings a wealth of experience and commitment to her endeavors.
In addition to her roles as a paralegal and businesswoman, Nuné has actively engaged in political advocacy since 2020, recognizing the need for positive change in California’s direction. Her involvement spans leadership positions in organizations such as PERK (Protection of Educational Rights of Kids), where she volunteered her time as a team leader.
Driven by a belief in the importance of active participation for the betterment of future generations, Nuné has become more involved within her community and was recently elected as a board member of the Porter Ranch Neighborhood Council.
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