American Armenian Lorig Charkoudian, originally from Newton, Massachusetts, has won the Democratic Party Primary for the Maryland House of Delegates to represent District 20 of this US state, The Armenian Weekly reported.

Charkoudian whose stated slogan is, “Join us to build a more just and inclusive Maryland,” has dedicated more than two decades to public service in her state.

She has developed innovative programs to reduce prison recidivism, written legislation for food security and public health, worked with the courts to increase access to justice for low income people, developed programs to build community wealth, provided violence prevention services, and marched in the streets for social justice.

Charkoudian’s family has always had a strong presence and active involvement in the Armenian Community. Two of Lorig’s grandparents were survivors of the Armenian Genocide. Her aunt, Arppie Charkoudian, was the International President of the Armenian Relief Society (ARS). Charkoudian herself attended the Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU) Armenian Elementary School in Watertown, Massachusetts.