Graded F: Arizona Rep. Abe Hamadeh (R-08)

The conversation turns to Arizona, where Asbed introduces Republican Abe Hamadeh of the 8th District and pauses to take special note of his record. The framing suggests Hamadeh’s positions drew particular attention from the hosts as they went through ANCA’s failing grades.

ANCA’s report cards evaluate members of Congress on their voting history and public statements regarding Armenia, Artsakh (Nagorno Karabakh), and human rights. A failing mark reflects a record the community sees as working against its priorities. By singling out Hamadeh, the hosts signal that Arizona’s delegation carries weight in how the diaspora assesses its allies and opponents in Washington.

For Armenian American voters, these grades translate directly into choices at the ballot box. Each named member becomes a data point in a larger map of where Congress stands on recognition, aid, and accountability for Azerbaijan’s actions. The special attention to Hamadeh reflects how closely the community tracks newer members whose records are still forming and whose future votes could matter on key legislation.