District 1 Council · June 2, 2026

Jon Kaji

Incumbent

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Jon Kaji

About

Jon Kaji, the incumbent District 1 Councilmember in Torrance, has served on the council since 2022. He founded a real-estate firm in 1990 and is a South Bay native. 1

Finance snapshot

$75k
Donations
111
Donors
$536
Avg gift
26%
From Torrance
$16k
PAC spending

Through June 1, 20261 · Full breakdown →

Background

Career
Kaji founded Kaji & Associates, a commercial real estate firm in North Torrance, in 1990, and has owned and renovated three commercial shopping centers in the city. 3
Elected service
He was elected to the District 1 seat on the Torrance City Council in 2022 and chairs the council's Finance and Governmental Operations Committee. 1
Civic affiliation
He has previously served as president of the Gardena Valley JACL, president of the Gardena-Carson Family YMCA, and a member of the Japanese American National Museum Board of Governors. 3
Torrance roots
A native of the South Bay, Kaji is a husband and father. 1
Where they stand

On the issues.

Wants to annex El Camino Village

Originated the August 2024 staff-research request on annexation and supported creating the January 14, 2025 ad-hoc committee; cites the opportunity to extend Torrance Police patrol to El Camino College. 4

Wants stricter homelessness enforcement

Says he opposed the homeless-housing project on Torrance Blvd. and continues advocating for planning that puts the community first. 1

Says Torrance is fiscally healthy

Says his record includes bringing the city budget back into the black, strengthening reserves, and keeping essential services funded. 1

Wants to cap council overseas travel

No record located in our research.

Wants stronger fenceline monitoring of the refinery

No record located in our research.

Opposes state housing mandates that override local zoning control

No record located in our research.

Backs the Metro C/Green Line extension

Says he works to give Torrance a strong voice in major transportation projects, including the Metro extension. Has not stated a public position on the route alternative or the alignment. 1

Opposed Project Homekey+ at the Extended Stay America hotel

Opposed Project Homekey+, the LA County and Weingart proposal to convert the Extended Stay America hotel on Torrance Boulevard into permanent supportive housing. Continues to advocate for 'planning that puts the community first.' 1

Endorsements

2 total · view source
Torrance officials (0)
Federal officials (0)
State & county officials (0)
Public safety (1)
  • Torrance Police Officers' Association
Labor (0)
Business (1)
  • Apartment Association of Greater Los Angeles
Political clubs (0)
Advocacy (0)
City officials (0)
Individuals (0)
Party signals

What the public record shows about this candidate's party.

Five sourced signals, side by side. We don't compute a verdict.

Voter registration

Registered No Party Preference with the Los Angeles County Registrar (queried January 2026). LA County Registrar →

What they’ve said

Hasn’t said publicly which party they identify with.

How press describes them

Local press hasn’t described their party.

Past partisan runs

Hasn’t run as a partisan candidate before.

Coalition
Endorsers

Party tagging in progress.

Donors

45 of 111 matched

40% Rep · 31% Dem · 18% NPP · 11% Other

Compare with David Kartsonis →
Verify

Don't take our word for it.

Sources cited on this page

  1. Jon Kaji for Torrance City Council 2026 — campaign website, accessed May 2026
  2. Rafu Shimpo — 'Kaji Seeks Torrance City Council Seat,' June 2022
  3. Rafu Shimpo — 'Jon Kaji Vying to Become Next Torrance Councilmember,' May 2020
  4. El Camino College The Union, "Torrance Councilman Jon Kaji shares plans for El Camino College and the city," November 10, 2025
  5. Torrance City Council, Granicus video clip 14530, September 23, 2025 (Ord. 3955 Target Density)
View raw filings on NetFile →