2026 Elections: Councilmember Kalani has slim lead in latest Torrance mayoral election results

The Torrance mayoral race remained razor‑thin a week after the election, with Councilmember Sharon Kalani holding a narrow lead as of 4:31 p.m. Tuesday, June 9, with 51.38% of the vote.

"The closeness and historic turnout in this mayoral race reflect how engaged Torrance residents are in the future of our city," Kalani said in a written statement. "I am grateful to everyone who took the time to vote, and I believe it is important to allow the process to unfold with patience, transparency, and respect as every eligible vote is counted.

"I also want to acknowledge Mayor George Chen for his years of service to Torrance," she added. "Public service is not easy, and I appreciate everyone who has stepped forward to serve our community."

Chen had led for much of the past week but has fallen behind with 48.62% of the vote.

"As anticipated, this would be a tight race, and it turned out to be the case," Chen said in a Monday interview. "It's unusual that there are large chunks of ballots still to be counted after the first couple of days following June 2, so we'll need to be patient."

Kalani challenged Chen in the middle of her four-year term on the council, speaking out against many of the current mayor's policies when it comes to public engagement and international relations.

Kalani has said that if elected, she would reinstate weekly council meetings, restore three‑minute public comment periods and hold community briefings on major issues before they come up for a vote.

"Trust is built through access, consistency and respect," Kalani said, "and that will be my commitment as mayor."

Chen, on the other hand, has maintained the city is plenty transparent.

"The city of Torrance has been the most transparent in the city's history in the four years since I became mayor," Chen said in his response to the Daily Breeze Voter Guide. "One only needs to review all previous material, videos and council meetings, and it's easy to see that we have been the most transparent administration in the city's history. If reelected, I will continue to be the most transparent mayor as we have always been the past four years."

When it comes to international relations, Kalani has mostly taken issue with the funds used to pursue and maintain the friendship city program.

"It was never intended to be community-driven and was introduced as a ‘no cost' initiative," Kalani said in her response to the Daily Breeze Voter Guide. "Over time, it has evolved into significant taxpayer spending, with staff time diverted from core city priorities. Travel budgets have increased, trips have been taken, and yet there are no accountability measures or measurable outcomes to justify the expense."

She added that if elected, she would pursue an audit of the friendship city program, looking at costs, staff impact and outcomes.

"If it continues, it must be fiscally responsible, accountable and not distract from essential city services," Kalani said. "Our priority is clear: focus on programs and partnerships that deliver real, measurable value to Torrance residents."

Chen, however, has said that he stands by the Torrance friendship city program and that he has often conducted international business at no cost to the city. One example, he said, is that while on a personally funded trip to Taiwan to visit family, he facilitated a meeting with the Taiwan National Olympic Committee, which has since selected Torrance as its "basecamp of operations" for the 2028 Olympics.

"Economic development in the city has been elevated since I became mayor as a strategy to generate revenue for the city," Chen said in his response to the Daily Breeze Voter Guide. "If reelected, I will continue promoting Torrance to nations in search of a city as their basecamp for LA28 as I see myself as the main ambassador for Torrance when I engage with leaders representing other nations, developing relationships.

"Promoting and preparing Torrance for LA28 is complementary to our Friendship City strategy to attract international investments to Torrance," he added. "The selection of Torrance as the basecamp of operation by the Taiwan National Olympic Committee is evidence of the effort we have made and will continue to make to attract additional nations. More nations mean more revenue for Torrance."

On the other hand, Kalani said she would focus more on strengthening the businesses and infrastructure within city boundaries.

"Preparation starts with public safety and infrastructure," Kalani said in her response to the Daily Breeze Voter Guide. "We need to ensure our police, fire, and emergency services are fully staffed and ready to respond. Traffic management, road maintenance, and coordination with regional agencies will be critical.

"We should also focus on economic opportunity - supporting our local businesses so they can benefit from increased tourism," she added. "That includes clear communication, streamlined permitting where appropriate, and marketing Torrance as a welcoming destination. This is our chance to showcase our community - if we plan ahead and do it right."

Since Torrance does not hold a typical primary election, the winner of the June 2 election will be mayor for the next four years.

City Council District 1

In the race for the 1st City Council District seat, Councilmember Jon Kaji was trailing Planning Commission Chair David Kartsonis, according to the registrar's most recent update.

Kartsonis had 60.87% Tuesday and Kaji 39.13%. If he maintains his lead, Kartsonis would represent the 1st District for the next four years.

City Council District 3

In the race for the 3rd City Council District seat, Councilmember Asam Sheikh was leading former Councilmember Mike Mauno.

Sheikh had 59.68% as of Tuesday and Mauno 40.32%. If he maintains his lead, Sheikh will represent the 3rd District for another four years.

City Council District 5

In the race for the open 5th City Council District seat, Torrance Unified School District board President Betty Lieu was leading as of Tuesday, with 59.55%, followed by government relations specialist Michelle Brooks with 28.64% and Harry Ward, a doctor and veteran, with 11.8%.

City treasurer

In the city treasurer's race, Councilmember Aurelio Mattucci had 44%, former Councilmember Mike Griffiths had 43.29% and City Commissioner Charles Deemer had 12.71%, according to the registrar's Monday update.

City Clerk Rebecca Poirier ran unopposed.

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