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Sharon Kalani sworn in as mayor as Torrance council declares June election results
Summary
The council adopted a resolution declaring results of the June 2, 2026 municipal election, swore in Sharon Kalani as mayor and several council members, and honored outgoing officials; Torrance Refining Company presented a $100,000 employee-driven grant program.
The Torrance City Council formally declared the results of the June 2, 2026 general municipal election and presided over the swearing-in of newly elected officials, including Sharon Kalani as mayor.
City Clerk Rebecca Poirier read the certified canvas and resolution 2026-66 that recited results. The clerk announced Sharon Kalani received 22,206 votes to George Chen’s 21,031. The clerk also read counts for council and other offices including David Karczonis (District 1), Assam Sheikh (District 3) and Betty Lou (District 5), and confirmed Aurelio Matteucci as city treasurer and Rebecca Poirier’s reelection as city clerk.
"Sharon Kalani has been elected for a full term of four years as mayor," the city clerk read during the official results statement. After the reading, the council adopted the resolution declaring the returns and then the city clerk administered oaths of office to the winners.
Newly sworn Mayor Kalani asked for a brief recess to change the dais and, following the recess, addressed the chamber with a goal of leading with transparency, fiscal responsibility and collaboration. She said she will "listen" and "put the people and businesses of Torrance first."
The meeting also included a recorded message from Congresswoman Maxine Waters and a live appearance by Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn, both of whom congratulated outgoing and incoming officials. The county assessor’s office reported the city's assessed valuation increased by 5.5% (about $2.3 billion) year over year to roughly $44 billion, figures cited during congratulatory remarks.
Torrance Refining Company accepted a city certificate marking ten years of PVF Energy ownership and announced an employee-driven 'Employees Choice' giving campaign that will deliver ten $10,000 grants (totaling $100,000) to local nonprofits over the coming months; Jared Wimberly, general manager, and Barbara Graham, community relations manager, described the program and presented the first grant to Friends of Madrona Marsh.
Council also adopted resolutions honoring outgoing officials — including Mayor George K. Chen, Councilmember Aurelio Matteucci, Councilmember John Kaji and Treasurer Tim Goodrich — in unanimous votes before adjourning. The council scheduled its next meeting and closed the session for the evening.
