Former U.S. Rep. Barbara Lee has declared victory as the new mayor of Oakland, a city facing economic stagnation, crime, and homelessness. Lee, a Black female trailblazer who represented Oakland in Congress for over two decades, received an endorsement from former Gov. Jerry Brown and other previous Oakland mayors. The incumbent mayor, Sheng Thao, was recalled in November and indicted on federal charges in January. California Gov. Gavin Newsom has sent California Highway Patrol officers to help combat rising crime in the city.
Lee emphasized the need for more community services and police, economic development, job creation, and core city services such as functioning fire hydrants during her campaign. Her opponent, Loren Taylor, pledged to bolster police, reduce crime, and revitalize the city’s economy.
Oakland, known for its liberal and multicultural population, is also grappling with issues such as homelessness, drug use, gun violence, and robberies. Lee will finish out the remainder of Thao’s term and be up for reelection in November 2026.
Lee, who gained national recognition for being the only lawmaker to vote against the authorization for military force after the September 11 attacks, sees her new role as an opportunity to unite the divided city and work together to address its challenges.
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