Alex Balekian
Alex Balekian (Republican Party) ran for election to the U.S. House to represent California's 30th Congressional District. He lost in the general election on November 5, 2024.
Balekian completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2023. Click here to read the survey answers.
Biography
Alex Balekian was born in Glendale, California. He earned a high school diploma from Herbert Hoover High School, a bachelor's degree from UCLA in 1999, and an M.D. from the University of California, San Diego in 2003. His career experience includes working as a physician.[1]
Elections
2024
See also: California's 30th Congressional District election, 2024
California's 30th Congressional District election, 2024 (March 5 top-two primary)
General election
General election for U.S. House California District 30
Laura Friedman defeated Alex Balekian in the general election for U.S. House California District 30 on November 5, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | Laura Friedman (D) | 68.4 | 213,100 | |
| Alex Balekian (R) | 31.6 | 98,559 | ||
| Total votes: 311,659 | ||||
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Nonpartisan primary election
Nonpartisan primary for U.S. House California District 30
The following candidates ran in the primary for U.S. House California District 30 on March 5, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | Laura Friedman (D) | 30.1 | 46,329 | |
| ✔ | Alex Balekian (R) | 17.4 | 26,826 | |
| Anthony Portantino, Jr. (D) | 13.3 | 20,459 | ||
| Mike Feuer (D) | 12.3 | 18,878 | ||
| Maebe A. Girl (D) | 10.3 | 15,791 | ||
| J. Emilio Martinez (R) | 4.4 | 6,775 | ||
| Ben Savage (D) | 4.0 | 6,147 | ||
| Nick Melvoin (D) | 2.7 | 4,134 | ||
| Jirair Ratevosian (D) | 1.9 | 2,889 | ||
| Sepi Shyne (D) | 1.4 | 2,126 | ||
| Courtney Najera (D) | 0.8 | 1,167 | ||
| Joshua Bocanegra (No party preference) | 0.5 | 780 | ||
| Stephen Dunwoody (D) | 0.5 | 727 | ||
| Francesco Arreaga (D) | 0.3 | 532 | ||
| Sal Genovese (D) | 0.3 | 442 | ||
| Total votes: 154,002 | ||||
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates
- Patrick Gipson (R)
- Eric Sawchuk (R)
- Sarah Idan (D)
- Mike Castellanos (D)
- Drew Britton (D)
- Michael Huckabee (R)
Endorsements
Balekian received the following endorsements.
- California GOP
- Republican Party of California
- Republican Party of Los Angeles County
Campaign themes
2024
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Alex Balekian completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2023. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Balekian's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
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Glendale, California, has been my home for my entire life. I've grown up here, learned from the local public school system, and it's here where I've built my life and career.
From this strong foundation, I dedicated myself to becoming an ICU physician. The experience was transformative, especially during the COVID crisis. The frontlines taught me the value of resilience, adaptability, and selfless service—lessons I aim to carry forward in my public service.
Now, I'm excited to take on a new challenge. In 2024, I'll be your candidate for the House in CA-30. My fiscal conservatism and social moderation guide my perspectives on policy, aiming for balance and pragmatism over political extremes.
I'm not your traditional politician, and I stand firm against the influence of lobbyists. My mission? To reignite the civic spirit within our communities, to encourage more regular people like you and me to get involved, to take part in shaping our future.
I'm Alex Balekian, and I'm ready to represent you in Congress. Let's stand together to bring about the change we need.- I'm dedicated to serving all citizens, challenging entrenched politics, and promoting diversity. I support term limits to invigorate public service with fresh ideas and counter political stagnation. I'm also committed to campaign finance reform, aiming to diminish money's influence in politics and uphold the democratic principle of 'one person, one vote'. Together, we can build a government that truly represents us all. We need a political outsider like me to help usher in a new age of government accountability.
- At the core of my campaign is an unwavering commitment to the middle class and small businesses - the true lifeblood of our economy. These hardworking individuals and organizations form the backbone of our communities, and their prosperity directly translates into the overall health of our nation. For too long, the middle class and small business owners have been burdened with excessive taxes and entangled in bureaucratic red tape. My mission is to cut through these barriers, paving the way for an economic environment that encourages growth and innovation. I will fight tirelessly against unfair taxation and overregulation that cripple the very individuals and businesses we should be supporting.
- As a child of immigrants, I bring a unique perspective to the immigration discussion. I firmly believe in policies that secure our borders, ensuring the safety and integrity of our nation. Simultaneously, it's crucial we incentivize hardworking immigrants through a point-based system. This approach recognizes the value they bring, contributing to the rich mosaic of our diverse nation and fueling our economic growth.
My unique insights from years of practicing medicine have allowed me to recognize key areas for reform: the cost of medication is a significant concern. We must foster a shift where physicians are encouraged, and patients are educated, to opt for more cost-effective generic drugs, instead of assuming higher-priced equals better. Additionally, we need to standardize care using evidence-based guidelines. This approach could not only contain costs but also diminish health disparities by promoting equal treatment for all patients. Our system disproportionately rewards physicians for complex procedures rather than meaningful patient interactions. To enhance patient outcomes, we must prioritize a compensation structure that values comprehensive care and open dialogues about treatment plans.
Teddy Roosevelt was a man of unwavering principles. He was by no means perfect, and his unapologetic manliness concealed an inner turmoil that ate away at him slowly. But his most famous adage -- Speak softly and carry a big stick -- is one of the best pieces of advice I know.
Medical school was a tumultuous time for me (I moved away and came out of the closet to everyone but my parents), and to say that I lost my focus academically would be an understatement. Dr Hillis hand-picked his class of 50 interns every year, and he spotted this second-string medical student and turned him into a first-rate physician.
First, its diversity. The House is a beautiful tapestry woven with representatives from every nook and cranny of this nation, from the smallest towns to the biggest cities. It brings together a diverse mix of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives, much like the immigrant family I come from. That's something truly unique and special.
Second, its proximity to the people. The House, with its two-year terms, stays closely connected to the pulse of the American people. We're designed to be the voice of the people in our government, and that makes the House a dynamic, responsive body that's deeply rooted in our communities.
Third, the House's power of the purse. The fact that all revenue-related bills originate in the House gives us a crucial role in shaping the nation's financial policies. We get to decide where and how the government uses its resources. This responsibility to ensure fiscal prudence and safeguard taxpayers' money is something I take very seriously.
Finally, the collaborative nature of the House. Despite our differences, we must work together to get things done. It's a place where negotiation, compromise, and collaboration aren't just desired – they're necessary. It embodies the spirit of our Republic, of coming together to make things better, even with our individual and collective flaws.
As a physician, my experiences in healthcare have given me a unique perspective on one of the most critical issues our nation faces. This hands-on, real-world experience allows me to understand the challenges in ways that career politicians might not. It equips me with the knowledge and skills to propose innovative, practical solutions based on firsthand experiences and observations. This diverse experience brings fresh perspectives, new ideas, and out-of-the-box thinking to policy discussions.
Moreover, when our representatives come from a wide range of backgrounds, our government becomes more representative of the diversity of the American people and their experiences. It allows for more comprehensive decision-making that takes into account a multitude of perspectives.
Our bipartisan system has increasingly become an arena of partisan warfare, rather than a platform for collaborative policymaking. This polarization stymies our ability to pass substantial, meaningful policy, creating gridlock that hampers our nation's progress and development. As a result, we're falling behind on the global stage in key areas such as economic innovation, education, environmental protection, and healthcare.
It's alarming that political allegiance is taking precedence over the common good of the American people. This type of division doesn't just undermine the function of our government; it erodes the social fabric of our nation. It's essential for us to remember that we are countrymen and women first, not just members of a particular political party. We need to focus on finding common ground and working together to address the issues that matter most to our citizens.
One potential solution to this problem is inviting more political outsiders into the arena, individuals who aren't entrenched in the partisan politics that dominate our current system. These fresh voices can inject new perspectives and innovative ideas into the dialogue, transcending party lines and focusing on finding effective, practical solutions for our nation's challenges.
Two-year terms are long enough to allow representatives to get things done, but short enough to prevent them from becoming entrenched in the system. They also allow the people to have a say in who represents them more frequently.
Term limits can address several key issues in our current political landscape. Firstly, they help curb the risk of corruption and complacency that can occur when individuals remain in power for extended periods. New representatives bring fresh ideas and perspectives, fostering innovation and preventing the stagnation that can accompany political entrenchment.
Secondly, term limits encourage political accountability. Elected officials who are conscious of their limited tenure may feel a stronger obligation to fulfill their campaign promises and serve their constituents effectively.
Thirdly, term limits can enhance political diversity by creating more opportunities for new candidates, including those from underrepresented groups. This leads to a more inclusive democracy that better reflects the diverse tapestry of our society.
In an ideologically diverse nation, it's unrealistic and unproductive to expect all policy decisions to align perfectly with every individual's viewpoints. This is where the art of compromise comes into play. It allows us to navigate our differences, find common ground, and create solutions that, while not perfect for everyone, are mutually beneficial and work towards the common good.
Compromise doesn't mean surrendering principles or values, but rather it means acknowledging and respecting differing perspectives, and being willing to make concessions for the broader benefit. It means focusing on the larger goal of serving our citizens, and finding the balance between various interests and needs.
If I am elected to Congress, I will use this power to make sure that our tax system is fair and that our government is fiscally responsible. I will work to simplify the tax code, close tax loopholes, and balance the budget. I believe these are essential priorities for our nation."
I believe that a fair and efficient tax system is essential for a strong economy. A simple and easy-to-understand tax code will help taxpayers comply with the law and reduce the burden on businesses. Closing tax loopholes will ensure that everyone pays their fair share, and balancing the budget will help to ensure our long-term fiscal health.
We should use these powers to ensure transparency and accountability from the executive branch and government agencies. This is about maintaining checks and balances in our system, ensuring that power isn't being abused or used improperly.
At the same time, we must ensure that we're not wasting taxpayers' money on endless investigations that go nowhere. We must be mindful of the cost and the time involved. We should focus our efforts on the issues that genuinely matter to our constituents – from the economy to healthcare, education, and national security.
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Campaign website
Balekian's campaign website stated the following:
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Homelessness End homelessness and take care of our homeless veterans Education Fix our failing schools. LAUSD math proficiency of 19% is shameful Bank Bailouts Stop bailing out gambling bankers and arranging sweetheart corporate deals Budget Responsibility Stop borrowing and spending irresponsibly while much of the country lives paycheck to paycheck Middle Class and Small Businesses Protecting and nurturing small businesses caught in the crossfire between large corporations and union lobbying Rescuing Healthcare Utilizing firsthand medical and small business experience to streamline healthcare without compromising quality Addressing Gun Deaths Supporting gun reform, but advocating for a shift in focus towards solutions that promise more significant impacts Affordable Housing Criticizing politicians who vocally support cheaper housing yet obstruct efforts with environmental regulations Equality for all Advocating for a smaller government, minimizing intrusion and overreach while emphasizing personal liberties and responsibilities Term Limits Advocating for term limits to challenge career politicians' amassed power and influence peddling Reproductive Rights Women should have multiple family planning options to maintain power over their own bodies Immigration Policy and Border Security Proposing a points-based immigration plan, aiming for an effective, fair, and forward-looking solution Wars and Foreign Policy Prioritizing 'Do not harm' philosophy and demanding clear conflict objectives[2] |
” |
| —Alex Balekian's campaign website (2024)[3] | ||
Campaign finance summary
Note: The finance data shown here comes from the disclosures required of candidates and parties. Depending on the election or state, this may represent only a portion of all the funds spent on their behalf. Satellite spending groups may or may not have expended funds related to the candidate or politician on whose page you are reading this disclaimer. Campaign finance data from elections may be incomplete. For elections to federal offices, complete data can be found at the FEC website. Click here for more on federal campaign finance law and here for more on state campaign finance law.
See also
2024 Elections
External links
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Candidate U.S. House California District 30 |
Personal |
Footnotes
- ↑ Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on July 11, 2023
- ↑ Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.
- ↑ Alex Balekian's campaign website, "Issues," accessed September 18, 2024
