Elections 2026: Sharon Kalani will be next Torrance mayor
Torrance Councilmember Sharon Kalani is officially the city's mayor-elect after edging out incumbent George Chen by 1,175 votes, according to the Los Angeles County registrar's certified results of the June 2 primary. Kalani beat the current mayor 51.36% to 48.64%.
Los Angeles County Registrar Dean Logan certified the final results for the June 2 primary election on Friday.
"I am deeply honored by the trust you have placed in me to serve as your next mayor," Kalani said in a Friday statement. "This campaign has never been about one person. It has always been about our community, our shared future and our belief that Torrance can be even stronger when we work together.
"Thank you to every volunteer, supporter, donor, voter, friend and family member who made this possible," she added. "I am grateful for each of you. I am committed to listening, leading with integrity, and serving every resident of Torrance. Let's move forward together."
Chen has been Torrance's mayor for the past four years and was hoping for a second term.
"This election was tight as expected," Chen said in a Friday statement. "I congratulate Mayor-elect Kalani and wish her the best in serving our great city. I have and will continue to support a smooth transition."
Kalani challenged Chen in the middle of her four-year term on the council and it has not yet been announced who will fill the vacant 4th District council seat.
During her campaign, Kalani spoke out against many of the current mayor's policies when it came to public engagement and international relations.
Kalani has promised to 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."
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 ahead of the election. "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."
Kalani has promised to 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."
She has also vowed to 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."
City Council District 1
Planning Commission Chair David Kartsonis officially secured the 1st City Council District seat, with 60.88% of the votes.
Kartsonis had challenged incumbent Councilmember Jon Kaji.
City Council District 3
Councilmember Asam Sheikh was able to keep the 3rd City Council District seat, with 59.66% of the votes, according to Friday's update.
Sheikh had been challenged by former Councilmember Mike Mauno.
City Council District 5
Torrance Unified School District Board President Betty Lieu will represent the 5th District for the next four years, according to Friday's results.
Three candidates ran for the open seat and final results showed Lieu in the lead with 59.51%, followed by government relations specialist Michelle Brooks with 28.63% and Harry Ward, a doctor and veteran, who had 11.87%.
City treasurer
The race for city treasurer was the tightest of Torrance's municipal races.
Councilmember Aurelio Mattucci narrowly secured the position, with 44.01% of the votes, according to the registrar's office. Former Councilmember Mike Griffiths was only 309 votes behind, with 43.25%. City Commissioner Charles Deemer came in last with 12.74% of the votes.
City Clerk Rebecca Poirier ran unopposed.
The newly elected officials will be sworn in during the July 14 City Council meeting.
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