Lester Friedman (Beverly Hills City Council At-Large, California, candidate 2026)
Lester Friedman is running for election to the Beverly Hills City Council At-Large in California. Friedman is on the ballot in the general election on June 2, 2026.[source]
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Biography
Lester Friedman has not yet completed Ballotpedia's 2026 Candidate Connection survey. If you are Lester Friedman, click here to fill out the survey.
Elections
General election
The general election will occur on June 2, 2026.
General election for Beverly Hills City Council At-Large (3 seats)
The following candidates are running in the general election for Beverly Hills City Council At-Large on June 2, 2026.
Candidate | ||
| Barry Axelrod (Nonpartisan) | ||
| Lester Friedman (Nonpartisan) | ||
| Andrew Kole (Nonpartisan) | ||
| Andy Licht (Nonpartisan) | ||
| Jonathan Mariande (Nonpartisan) | ||
| Sharona R. Nazarian (Nonpartisan) | ||
| Rebecca Pynoos (Nonpartisan) | ||
| Ariel Rofeim (Nonpartisan) | ||
| Clayton M. Saunders (Nonpartisan) | ||
| Russell Stuart (Nonpartisan) | ||
| Roger Tanenbaum (Nonpartisan) | ||
| ||||
 = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
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Endorsements
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Campaign themes
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
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Campaign website
Friedman's campaign website stated the following:
A CLEAR VISION FOR BEVERLY HILLS
Priorities That Deliver Results
Not just promises. A proven track record of taking action on the issues that matter most to our community. Here's what Lester is focused on.
Security on Our Streets and in Our Homes
Working with Chief Stainbrook, Lester initiated a 24/7 Real Time Watch center to monitor the network of closed-circuit cameras across the city. There is more to be done. The city is integrating 3,000+ private security cameras with the Watch Center and deploying drone technology for rapid emergency response. Lester is pushing to use AI to analyze crime data and target crimes before they happen, and to create smart community-based patrol programs.
Result: During his second term as Mayor, Lester accomplished a reduction in crime
Economic Security
Beverly Hills holds one of the rarest designations in municipal finance: a AAA bond rating, which means lower borrowing costs and reflects the financial trust the city has earned. Under Lester's leadership, the city has built over $100M in reserves - more than 50% of the operating budget - while maintaining debt-free operations. City services have been delivered without increasing fees or compromising quality, and continued investment in infrastructure ensures Beverly Hills remains fiscally sound for generations to come.
Result: $100M+ in reserves, debt-free operations
Standing Against Hate
Lester brought the Combat Antisemitism Movement's 4th annual "Mayor's Summit Against Antisemitism" to Beverly Hills, hosting leaders from around the world to address rising hate. His urgency of action put police patrols at synagogues in a visible show of force, reassuring the community during a time of fear. A longtime member of Temple Emanuel, he and his wife, Simone, have been leaders in the Jewish community for decades, standing up against hate in all its forms and working to ensure Beverly Hills remains a place of inclusion and safety.
Result: Hosted international antisemitism summit, increased security at houses of worship
— Lester Friedman's campaign website (April 5, 2026)
See also
2026 Elections
External links
Footnotes
