Beverly Hills School Board Race Turns Into Political Brawl
Campaign for two seats has drawn police calls, infiltrated group chats, and a restraining order amid fights over Israel and antisemitism.
Updated on Nov. 1, 2026 in Elections

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The Beverly Hills school board campaign for two seats has devolved into an all-out political brawl. Police have responded to dozens of calls about stolen campaign signs, and one candidate has a restraining order against an opponent over allegations of doxxing.
Why it matters
Feelings about Israel and the definition of antisemitism have been at the forefront in this heavily Jewish community, reflecting tensions that have shaken Beverly Hills in recent years. The contest features a mix of wealth, privilege, and celebrity, which has heightened the stakes of local school governance.
Two school board seats are up for election in Beverly Hills, a city of about 30,000 residents in Los Angeles County. Police have fielded dozens of calls about stolen campaign signs, and the extent of the moles' role in group chats has not been detailed.
The players
Gay Abrams
Gay Abrams is a 70-year-old activist involved in the Beverly Hills school board campaign.
The details
Moles have infiltrated group chats in the campaign, and one candidate has obtained a restraining order against an opponent over allegations of doxxing. Activist Gay Abrams, 70, is among the figures involved in the contest.
Timeline
Decades before 2024: Beverly Hills voted Democratic for president in most elections, with Ronald Reagan the exception.
2024: Beverly Hills voted for Donald Trump for president.
2026: The school board campaign for two seats escalated into an all-out political brawl.
Political Context
Beverly Hills voted for Democrats for president in decades prior to 2024, except for Ronald Reagan, before backing Donald Trump in 2024. The school board fight unfolds against this shift and the recent battles over Israel, antisemitism, and race that have shaken the city.
The outcome of the two open seats will shape decisions on local schools for Beverly Hills families. Residents following the race should note that the campaign has involved police calls and legal disputes, which may affect how they assess candidates.
The takeaway
Local school board races can carry significant weight, and voters in Beverly Hills may find it useful to look closely at candidate conduct and the issues driving the campaign before casting ballots.
Further reading
Explore more Beverly Hills election coverage for context on local races in the city.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The New York Times.
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