Judge Blocks Mirisch's Fifth-term Bid, Upholds Term-limit Measure

On Feb. 23 at the Santa Monica courthouse, Department N, Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Lisa K. Sepe-Wiesenfeld heard arguments in the case of Mirisch v. Ahmed, where council member John Mirisch sought a writ forcing Beverly Hills City Clerk Huma Ahmed to accept his nomination papers for the June 2026 municipal election.

Voters approved Measure TL in 2022, limiting council members to three terms during their lifetimes. Mirisch, first elected in 2009, was serving his fourth term when the measure took effect. He argued that state law requires term-limit measures to apply only prospectively and cited a 2012 attorney general opinion saying that terms served before a term-limit ordinance should not count. He contended that the city was unlawfully counting his prior service to block his candidacy.

The city maintained that Measure TL was designed to include all service when calculating eligibility and that counting completed terms does not constitute retroactive application. Counsel for the city pointed out that the ordinance plainly states that no person shall serve more than three terms and that the prospective requirement only prevents removing an incumbent mid-term.

After hearing both sides, Judge Sepe-Wiesenfeld said the law was "crystal clear" and indicated that her ruling would uphold the city's interpretation. She noted that the statute mandates prospective application but does not prohibit counting completed terms, and she signaled that the petition would be denied. Her decision means that Mirisch, having already served more than three terms, cannot seek reelection under Measure TL.

Mirisch’s attorneys may appeal, but for now the ruling affirms the voters’ intent to limit council service. The case has drawn attention as a test of how local governments implement term limits and could influence similar disputes across California.