Barbara Lee Wins Oakland Mayor Race Amid Crisis \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Former U.S. Rep. Barbara Lee has declared victory in Oakland’s special mayoral election, stepping in after a contentious recall and amid a surge in crime and economic woes. Her opponent Loren Taylor conceded the race. Lee will serve the remainder of the ousted mayor’s term and focus on uniting the city.
Quick Looks
- Barbara Lee, 78, declared victory in Oakland’s April 15 special election
- Opponent Loren Taylor conceded the race Saturday after vote tallies showed Lee leading
- Lee succeeds recalled Mayor Sheng Thao, who was indicted on federal charges
- She will serve the remainder of Thao’s term, up for reelection in 2026
- Lee pledged to improve public safety, city services, and economic development
- Endorsed by ex-Gov. Jerry Brown and former Oakland mayors
- Oakland faces rising crime, homelessness, budget deficits, and business closures
- Lee represented Oakland in Congress from 1998 to 2023
- Best known for being the only vote against the 2001 AUMF after 9/11
- City has roughly 400,000 residents and a rich history of progressive activism
Deep Look
In a moment charged with both historical significance and urgent necessity, Barbara Lee, a progressive icon and former U.S. Congresswoman, declared victory on Saturday in Oakland’s special mayoral election, assuming leadership of a city grappling with a multi-layered crisis.
Lee, 78, made her announcement after her opponent, former City Council member Loren Taylor, conceded the April 15 race. Although ballots are still being counted, Lee’s statement and Taylor’s concession solidify her path to City Hall.
“The results are clear that the people of Oakland have elected me as your next mayor,” Lee said. “Thank you, Oakland!”
The election followed the recall of former Mayor Sheng Thao, who was indicted on federal bribery, conspiracy, and fraud charges in January. The turmoil left the city searching for stability, and Lee, a veteran of progressive politics and seasoned lawmaker, stepped forward.
From Congress to City Hall: A Progressive Comes Home
Barbara Lee is no stranger to Oakland. She represented the city in Congress from 1998 to 2023, earning national recognition for her principled stances, particularly as the only lawmaker to vote against the 2001 Authorization for Use of Military Force following the September 11 attacks.
A Black woman leader and longtime activist, Lee’s campaign centered on uniting a deeply divided city, restoring trust in governance, and addressing some of Oakland’s most pressing issues: homelessness, violent crime, economic stagnation, and public service dysfunction.
“Oakland is a deeply divided city,” Lee acknowledged. “I answered the call to run so that we can begin healing and working together to solve our problems.”
A City in Crisis
Oakland, with a population of around 400,000, has a proud legacy of cultural activism, being the birthplace of the Black Panther Party and the hometown of Vice President Kamala Harris. But in recent years, the city has become a symbol of urban dysfunction.
Some of the challenges include:
- A growing homeless population, with tent encampments widespread
- Violent crime and public drug use, especially in business corridors
- Illegal sideshows and street racing disrupting neighborhoods
- Budget shortfalls leading to declining public services
- The closure of major businesses, including the city’s only In-N-Out Burger, due to safety concerns
In response to rising crime, Gov. Gavin Newsom deployed California Highway Patrol officers to assist local law enforcement earlier this year, calling the violence “alarming and unacceptable.”
Campaign Contrast: Taylor vs. Lee
Though Lee entered the race with high name recognition, the campaign was far from easy. Her opponent, Loren Taylor, 47, is a former City Council member and a tech consultant who offered a moderate platform focused on boosting police funding, revitalizing the economy, and restoring public order.
Taylor’s campaign struck a chord with voters frustrated by crime and business closures, but in the end, Lee’s deep community ties, endorsements, and experience helped her secure the win.
“While the outcome was not what we worked for and hoped for,” Taylor said in a statement, “I’m proud of the campaign we ran and the bold ideas we introduced.”
Backed by Oakland’s Political Old Guard
Lee was endorsed by former California Governor Jerry Brown, who previously served as Oakland’s mayor, and a coalition of former city mayors, signaling that her candidacy was viewed as a stabilizing force following the chaos of Thao’s ouster.
Brown described Lee as a “seasoned, steady hand” who could restore credibility and lead through crisis.
Lee also drew support from longtime Oakland activists, labor leaders, and faith-based organizations. Her coalition focused on equity, public health, and grassroots infrastructure renewal.
Lee’s Vision: Restore, Rebuild, Reunite
On the campaign trail, Lee called for a dual approach to public safety, arguing that the city needs both strong community services and effective, accountable policing. She has also prioritized:
- Economic development to retain and attract local businesses
- Infrastructure repair, including streetlights, fire hydrants, and public facilities
- Affordable housing expansion to address homelessness
- Youth programs and job creation initiatives to build long-term community resilience
“We have to ensure basic city functions are working while we tackle the deeper issues,” she said in a recent debate.
Her challenge will be immense. Oakland is facing a severe budget crisis that will complicate her ability to expand services or invest in new programs without state or federal support.
What’s Next: Lee’s Term and 2026 Election
Barbara Lee will serve the remainder of the term vacated by recalled Mayor Sheng Thao, which runs through November 2026. At that time, she would have the option to seek re-election.
Given her age and decades of public service, political observers are watching to see whether Lee will act as a transitional leader, preparing the city for a new generation of political leadership, or whether she intends to remain in office beyond her interim term.
Barbara Lee Wins Barbara Lee Wins
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