Rob Saemann, the sitting mayor of Hermosa Beach, is running for re-election to the City Council in the Nov. 3 general election.
The nonpartisan race has three open seats, and voters may choose up to three candidates. Five other candidates are certified for the ballot: Dean Francois, Elka Worner, Eric Horne, Margaret Bove-LaMonica and Raymond A. Jackson.
Candidate information
Name: Rob Saemann
Office sought: Hermosa Beach City Council
Current role: Saemann is a Hermosa Beach councilmember who was elected mayor by the council in May 2025. The mayor's position in Hermosa Beach rotates among sitting council members.
Background: Saemann said he first visited Hermosa Beach in 1963 at age 15. He grew up inland and later settled in the city after building a career as a contractor in several beach communities, according to his campaign website. He said he has owned and operated two businesses in Hermosa Beach.
Experience and public service
Saemann said he has devoted 14 years to public service in Hermosa Beach. That service spans three bodies of city government: the Public Works Commission, the Planning Commission and the City Council, according to his campaign website.
The city's website confirms his current role as a councilmember. His background also includes work as a contractor in the private sector, a career he said he built across several South Bay beach communities before settling in Hermosa Beach.
On the issues
The following positions are drawn from Saemann's campaign issues page. They reflect the candidate's own statements.
Fiscal management: Saemann listed on-time and on-budget fiscal management as a top campaign priority. He did not provide specific budget proposals or savings targets.
Public safety: Saemann identified public safety as a priority for his next term. No additional detail on specific public safety proposals was provided.
Local control: Saemann said he supports local control over city decisions.
Development: Saemann said he favors what he called thoughtful development in Hermosa Beach. He did not outline specific zoning or building proposals.
Hermosa Beach Pier: Saemann named the Hermosa Beach Pier as a campaign priority. No additional detail on his plans for the pier was provided.
Council salary pledge: Saemann pledged to donate every cent of his council salary over the next four years to local city projects and good causes if re-elected. He did not specify which projects or organizations would receive the funds.
The candidate's positions were drawn from his campaign website. South Bay Tide presents this profile to help voters evaluate candidates in the Nov. 3 election.
