ANCA-backed candidates secure key victories in U.S. midterm elections

The Armenian National Committee of America’s nationwide electoral campaign highlighted Armenian-American priorities, mobilized grassroots support and helped advance candidates committed to Armenia and Artsakh.

WASHINGTON — Democrats have secured control of both chambers of the United States Congress following Tuesday’s midterm elections, delivering a significant setback to President Donald Trump and reshaping Washington’s political landscape ahead of the final two years of his presidency.

For the Armenian-American community, the elections marked another important chapter in the Armenian National Committee of America’s (ANCA) efforts to strengthen congressional support for Armenia, defend the rights of Artsakh Armenians and hold elected officials accountable for their positions on Armenian-American priorities.

The ANCA mounted an extensive nationwide electoral campaign, endorsing 64 congressional candidates from both major parties and publishing its 2026 Congressional Report Cards, which evaluated lawmakers against more than 70 legislative criteria. Through its dedicated Election Hub, grassroots mobilization, voter outreach and sustained social media engagement, the organization worked to ensure that Armenian-American concerns remained prominent throughout the campaign.

At the centre of its efforts were the release of Armenian prisoners held in Azerbaijan, the internationally guaranteed right of return for displaced Artsakh Armenians, enforcement of Section 907 restrictions on U.S. assistance to Azerbaijan, and stronger American support for Armenia’s sovereignty and security.

The ANCA’s bipartisan approach was reflected in its endorsements, which emphasized candidates’ legislative records and commitments rather than party affiliation.

Among the most significant victories was that of Democratic Congressman Chris Pappas, who defeated former Senator John E. Sununu in New Hampshire’s Senate race. Pappas, endorsed by the ANCA and awarded an “A” grade for his congressional record, has consistently supported Armenian-American priorities.

The ANCA played an active role in the contest, drawing attention to Sununu’s financial interests in Anglo Asian Mining, a company with operations connected to Azerbaijan and territories in Artsakh brought under Azerbaijani control. Through media engagement and public advocacy, the organization raised questions about the relationship between financial interests and American foreign policy.

Another important victory came in Michigan, where ANCA-endorsed Democrat Abdul El-Sayed defeated Republican Mike Rogers. El-Sayed had publicly committed to defending Armenia’s security and the rights of the Armenian people, while criticizing American military assistance to Azerbaijan.

The election of Pappas and El-Sayed brings two new senators with demonstrated commitments to Armenian-American concerns into the incoming Congress.

The ANCA also mounted a determined campaign in Texas against Congressman Henry Cuellar, whose ties to Azerbaijani interests have long drawn criticism from the organization. Although Cuellar secured reelection, the ANCA’s efforts, including grassroots outreach and engagement with local community institutions, brought renewed public scrutiny to his record and financial relationships.

Meanwhile, the ANCA’s Western Region pursued an extensive electoral initiative of its own, announcing 61 endorsements across congressional, statewide and local races, particularly in California.

Looking beyond Election Day, the ANCA is already preparing for the next phase of its advocacy. The organization has scheduled a nationwide online town hall for November 5, entitled “Our Work Starts Now: Post-Midterm Analysis and Action,” to assess the results and outline its strategy for engaging the incoming Congress.

ANCA National Grassroots Director Gev Iskajyan has emphasized the importance of reaching newly elected lawmakers before they begin their legislative work.

With a new Congress taking shape, the ANCA’s sustained electoral engagement has reinforced the Armenian-American community’s political presence in Washington and laid the groundwork for continued bipartisan advocacy on Armenia, Artsakh and accountability for Azerbaijan.