California ? An Iranian-born politician won re-election to the City Council on Friday, putting him in line to become the first Persian-born mayor of a community that for decades has been a hub for exiles of Iran’s 1979 revolution.

With the vote count still not official, Jimmy Delshad had the second-highest number of votes, which would give him one of the two at-large council seats up for grabs in Tuesday’s election.

“The mayor’s job in Beverly Hills is very important, very visible, and I think I’m up to it,” said Delshad, 66, who received hugs from his wife and adult children when ballot tallies were announced.

Beverly Hills mayors are chosen by council members and are decided by seniority. Council member Steve Webb, a lawyer who lost his bid for re-election, is the current mayor and steps down March 20. Delshad is next in line.