Beverly Hills Mayor Sharona Nazarian has announced exclusively to the Courier that she will seek reelection in June for her second term.
Ten months into her mayoral term on the City Council, Nazarian said she considered her run for reelection carefully before coming to any conclusions.
“Running for reelection was not a decision I made lightly,” she said. “I thought deeply about where Beverly Hills is as a city, the challenges we are facing and whether I could continue to be effective in helping guide us forward. I listened carefully to our residents and business community, and what I heard again and again was the need for steady leadership, strong public safety, and a mayor who will continue to fight for Beverly Hills.”
First elected to the City Council in 2022, Nazarian was installed for her first mayoral term in 2025. Prior to serving on the council, she was a Public Works Commissioner and a Human Relations Commissioner. She also previously served on the Beverly Hills Police Chief’s Advisory Board and as president of the Rotary Club of Beverly Hills.
In addition to Nazarian’s seat, voters will elect representatives to two other open positions on the council in June, including those currently held by Councilmembers Lester Friedman and John Mirisch.
Nazarian holds a doctorate in clinical psychology from Alliant University and a bachelor’s degree in psychology and sociology from the University of Southern California. She has lived in Beverly Hills for over three decades with her husband and three sons.
During her time on the council and as mayor, Nazarian has focused her efforts on public safety, community engagement and promoting small businesses. She cites as a core part of her work her collaboration with the Beverly Hills Police Department to implement AI as a tool for streamlining reports and processes, including the adaptation of AI Blue Script.
Nazarian additionally oversaw the launch of BH Wellness, a program through which residents can receive unlimited emergency and non-emergency medical transportation per household for $90 per year.
Her mayoral term introduced initiatives such as Spotlight with Sharona, which highlights local businesses; Straight Talk with Sharona, town halls in which she invites an expert or local authority for an hour-long public discussion; and community-building efforts for young adults and active adults.
Nazarian, who was on the City Council when the events of Oct. 7 transpired, has been a strong supporter of the plans to erect a garden and memorial to those lost on that day.
“Public safety is not only about technology and enforcement,” Nazarian said of the memorial effort. “It is about compassion, remembrance and standing together as we educate the next generation, so such atrocities never happen again to any race, religion, or cultural background. Oct. 7 reminded us that safety, vigilance, education and unity must go hand in hand.”
Nazarian’s tenure as mayor has not been without its challenges. Among them has been preparations for the upcoming opening of the city’s first Metro stop at La Cienega and Wilshire boulevards. Nazarian worked with officials at Metro and elsewhere to finalize an agreement to develop a safety plan for the station.
“Greater mobility must be matched with greater preparedness,” Nazarian said. “We are planning ahead and building public safety into the infrastructure [of the station] from day one.”
Another issue that has taken center stage during Nazarian’s term as mayor is Builder’s Remedy, the state law that allows developers to circumvent certain local zoning laws in exchange for providing affordable housing. Ten such projects have been approved despite strong opposition by residents and other stakeholders.
Nazarian acknowledged that while the city cannot ignore state law, she and other officials have worked closely with legal and planning experts to scrutinize Builder’s Remedy applications. Nazarian told the Courier that she has “flown to Washington, D.C. and Sacramento to advocate for our city.”
“Our responsibility is to protect our neighborhoods while navigating difficult state mandates,” she said.
Nazarian told the Courier that her experience on the council and her background in mental health uniquely position her to serve the community.
“During my time in office, I’ve learned to anticipate challenges rather than react to them, and to fight relentlessly for Beverly Hills while staying grounded in what is legally and fiscally responsible … that experience and the impact on our community will guide every decision I make going forward,” she said.
Looking ahead, Nazarian said she has already begun preparations for upcoming events such as the LA 28 Olympic Games, the Paralympics and the World Cup by convening a dedicated task force with regional and local partners.
If elected to a second term, she said, “Economic vitality remains a core priority for me.”
“Our most important issues are safety, economic vitality and preserving what makes Beverly Hills special … my vision is a city that supports residents, local businesses, keeps our streets clean and safe, and attracts thoughtful investment while protecting neighborhoods,” she said.
Nazarian added, “I serve the residents of Beverly Hills,” she said. “Every decision I make is guided by what is best for our community. I hope to continue serving our city with integrity, experience, and heart.”
