Manhattan Beach Mayor David Lesser will not run for a fourth City Council term, opening a seat in the November election and giving potential candidates five extra days to file.
Lesser, who had pulled nomination papers three weeks earlier, signaled his decision in public remarks Tuesday, Aug. 4, and confirmed it in a message to colleagues and supporters Wednesday, Aug. 5. He cited family obligations and plans to pursue other interests after his current term ends.
"While hard to believe, I have not missed a meeting since my public service began in Manhattan Beach with a commission appointment in 2004," Lesser wrote. "Looking ahead, I have family obligations and plans to pursue other interests when my term concludes."
His withdrawal automatically extended the candidate filing deadline from Friday, Aug. 7 to Wednesday, Aug. 12, under California election law.
More than two decades of service
Lesser joined the Parking and Public Improvements Commission in 2004, then moved to the Planning Commission before winning his first council seat in 2010. He served from 2011 to 2019, returned in 2023 and is completing his third term.
In November 2022, Lesser and Council member Amy Howorth defeated then-incumbent Susan Hadley on a platform of civility and collaboration. Howorth, who is running for re-election this year, called Lesser a friend and colleague of 12 years. She said he elevated council deliberations and earned her respect even when they disagreed, she told the MB News.
Among the achievements Lesser highlighted: advancing the Senior and Scout Community Center construction, enacting stricter e-bike regulations, approving a stormwater treatment project to stop city runoff from reaching the ocean and adding police officers. He acknowledged that efforts to limit state-mandated multi-tenant residential projects in Manhattan Beach remain unresolved.
Who's in the race
As of Aug. 5, candidates who have pulled nomination papers include former council members Richard Montgomery and former Mayor and City Attorney Mark Burton, Planning Commission Vice Chair Joseph Ungoco, retired Manhattan Beach Police Department captain Tim Hageman and incumbent Howorth. Burton and Howorth have been certified by Los Angeles County. All except Hageman have filed final paperwork.
The November election will fill two council seats.
How to file
Residents interested in running have until Wednesday, Aug. 12 to pull and file nomination papers at the Manhattan Beach City Clerk's Office, 1400 Highland Ave. Office hours are Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The office can be reached at (310) 802-5056.
Upcoming in the South Bay
- Sunday, Aug. 9: Live Like Braun memorial tennis tournament, Hermosa Beach
- Tuesdays: Manhattan Beach Farmers Market, downtown Manhattan Beach
