Meet Sharona Nazarian: First Jewish Iranian female mayor in US history

Sharona Nazarian made history on April 1st when she was sworn in as the mayor of Beverly Hills, becoming the first Jewish Iranian American woman to hold such a position in the United States. The ceremony, held at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, marked a milestone for the city’s large Persian Jewish community, which celebrated her rise with pride.

Nazarian, 51, was born in Iran and fled with her family during the 1979 Islamic Revolution due to religious persecution. Settling in Beverly Hills, she grew up in a city known for its significant Iranian Jewish population. She is a clinical psychologist with degrees from the University of Southern California, and she has lived in Beverly Hills for over 30 years, raising three sons with her husband, Daniel. Before becoming mayor, she served as a city council member since 2022 and as vice mayor in 2024, building a reputation as a dedicated community leader.

Her election followed Beverly Hills’ tradition of rotating the mayoral role among its five council members. On April 1, she took the position previously held by outgoing mayor Julian Gold, with councilmen John Mirisch and Craig Corman appointed as vice mayors for six-month terms each. During her swearing-in, Nazarian reflected on her journey: “I came to this nation due to religious persecution. English is my third language. Now, I’m proud to lead this community.”

Nazarian’s background includes leadership roles like president of the Rotary Club of Beverly Hills and positions on the Police Chief’s Advisory Board and Maple Counseling Center. Her 2022 council campaign saw her knock on over 3,700 doors, a hands-on effort that paved her path to the mayor’s office. She succeeds Jimmy Delshad, the first Iranian American mayor of Beverly Hills from 2007 to 2011, but her status as the first woman adds a new layer of achievement.

For Beverly Hills’ Persian Jewish community (estimated at 8,000 to 10,000 residents) her election is a landmark. Many arrived after 1979, and Nazarian’s success mirrors their integration into American life. “Our community is proud of her,” wrote Sia Kordestani on X, a sentiment echoed widely online. Adelle Nazarian, a relative, added, “She rose with integrity and compassion.”

As mayor, Nazarian plans to focus on public safety, fiscal health, and affordable housing. She announced initiatives like “BH Fire Watch,” a camera system to detect fires, and “BHFD Wellness Network,” an emergency medical service. She also promised community engagement through town halls called “Straight Talk with Sharona” and social media updates titled “In the Know with Mayor Nazarian.” Fighting antisemitism, a personal priority, will also shape her tenure.

Some of the challenges she will face include Beverly Hills' post-COVID economic challenges, including vacant storefronts. With experience as a Public Works Commissioner, where she banned single-use plastics, Nazarian aims to tackle these issues.

Nazarian’s historic role accompanies her a story of resilience: from fleeing Iran to leading one of America’s most iconic cities. “We’re building a safer, stronger Beverly Hills,” she said, signaling a term rooted in both heritage and hope.