According to the New York Times, Barbara Lee won the race as Oakland, California’s new Mayor, just four months after retiring from Congress. She brings her years of public service experience and a reputation for getting things done. A proud Democrat, her win is a historic moment; she will be the first Black woman to lead the city, and it comes at a time when Oakland is ready for steady leadership to address some of its biggest challenges.
In a tight race where she received 52% of the vote, the mayor-elect said in a statement, “I accept your choice with a deep sense of responsibility, humility, and love.”
The special election followed the recall of former Mayor Sheng Thao, a decision driven by frustrations over governance and rising crime, compounded by an FBI investigation that led to her indictment. The recall itself reflected a growing demand for change in Oakland’s leadership. Mayor-elect Lee’s opponent, Loren Taylor, ran a strong campaign, pitching himself as a fresh voice who could tackle crime and revitalize the city’s economy. While Taylor resonated with some voters, Mayor Lee’s deep ties to the community and decades of experience ultimately gave her the edge.
For over twenty years, Mayor-elect Lee represented Oakland in Congress, becoming known nationwide for her commitment to her principles and her dedication to equity. Her congressional career included pivotal moments, such as her lone vote against military action after 9/11.
Now, as Mayor-elect, she’s shifting her focus to local issues and is determined to make an immediate impact.
Oakland, a city with a population of about 430,000, is known for its vibrant diversity and progressive history. It’s the birthplace of the Black Panther Party and has long been a hub for social movements. But the city faces many challenges. Homeless encampments, public drug use, and crime have all become pressing concerns. Economic struggles have added to the strain, with a growing budget deficit leaving the city strapped for resources. Even California Governor Gavin Newsom has stepped in, deploying Highway Patrol officers to support crime prevention efforts.
Mayor-elect Barbara Lee is hitting the ground running with her “Plan for the First 100 Days,” tackling Oakland’s challenges with a mix of bold ideas and practical solutions. Public safety is front and center. She’s bringing together police leadership and business representatives to create coordinated strategies while deploying crews to clear fire hazards in high-risk areas. On homelessness, she’s focused on securing funding from Alameda County to expand housing and support services for unhoused residents.
Economic growth is another priority, with plans to streamline city processes for small businesses and collaborate with Oakland’s largest employers on initiatives that benefit the entire community. She’s also committed to modernizing city governance, appointing a task force to strengthen accountability and reform Oakland’s Charter.
And let’s not forget the basics: Mayor-elect Lee is staffing crews to tackle illegal dumping and blight, auditing city contracts to ensure funds are spent wisely, and pushing for a budget stabilizing Oakland’s finances while prioritizing public safety.
In the words of Mayor-elect Lee: “We must not be a city divided, but a community united. I’ll bring people together, such as Labor and Business, and work to solve Oakland’s toughest challenges. As Mayor, I’ll lead a government that serves the people, not special interests. Let’s work to stabilize our city’s budget and deliver the services you rely on.”
While her win is the beginning of a political shift for the city, it’s also a big step forward for representation. Oakland has deep roots in Black history, and Mayor-elect Lee’s leadership marks an important step forward for equity and representation. As her tenure begins, residents are watching closely, hopeful that her leadership style and track record will be what Oakland needs to turn the page and move toward a brighter future.
On Easter, she mentioned that her top ten priorities were tackling the city’s $130 million budget deficit. Today, the mayor-elect held her first press conference, and she said,
“Public safety, meeting with our police chief and department heads, looking at all the issues, unsheltered population, moving forward with economic development and creation of jobs.”
Votes need to be certified before Mayor-elect Lee can get down to business. She won’t be sworn in until mid-to-late May, and since this was a special election, there will be another election next year.
Resources:
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/04/19/us/barbara-lee-oakland-mayor.html
https://abc7news.com/post/barbara-lee-holds-first-press-conference-oakland-mayor-elect-winning-tight-race/16216920/
Priorities — Barbara Lee for Oakland Mayor | Official Campaign Website
