SAN FRANCISCO — Barbara Lee, a distinguished figure in politics and a former U.S. Representative, has announced her victory as the incoming mayor of Oakland, a city within the San Francisco Bay Area that is currently facing significant challenges such as economic stagnation, rising crime rates, and homelessness.
In a statement made on Saturday, Lee, who will soon assume the role of mayor, revealed that her main competitor, Loren Taylor, conceded the election scheduled for April 15. “Even as I hold great respect for the democratic voting process and understand that ballot counting will persist, the outcome is clear: the citizens of Oakland have chosen me as their next mayor,” Lee stated. “Thank you, Oakland!”
Lee, at 78 years old, is recognized as a trailblazing Black woman who represented Oakland in Congress for over two decades before her unsuccessful bid for the U.S. Senate led to her retirement last year. “Oakland faces deep divisions,” she noted, explaining that she “felt compelled to run” to foster unity within the community and address its pressing issues.
Her candidacy received endorsements from notable figures such as former Governor Jerry Brown and other former Oakland mayors, who viewed her as a vital, cohesive force following the contentious recall of former Mayor Sheng Thao last November. Thao faced federal charges of bribery, fraud, and conspiracy in January.
Oakland, home to approximately 400,000 residents, stands as a liberal and multicultural hub, known for being the birthplace of the Black Panther Party and the hometown of former Vice President Kamala Harris. However, the city is struggling with visible signs of distress, including homeless encampments, drug use in public spaces, illegal car races, and an increase in gun violence and thefts, issues that contributed to the closure of an In-N-Out Burger location last year.
In response to the escalating crime rate, California Governor Gavin Newsom has deployed Highway Patrol officers to assist, categorizing the surge in crime as both “alarming and unacceptable.” The city’s financial woes further complicate its ability to fund essential public services.
Despite her well-established reputation, Lee faced rigorous competition from Taylor, aged 47, a former member of the Oakland City Council, who promised to strengthen policing, reduce crime, and reinvigorate the local economy. Taylor, in a statement, expressed pride in his campaign and the innovative plans it presented, despite the disappointing outcome.
Throughout her campaign, Lee prioritized expanding community services alongside increasing police presence. Her agenda also focuses on economic growth, job creation, and ensuring that fundamental city services, such as functioning fire hydrants, are adequately maintained.
Lee is set to complete the remainder of Thao’s term, with a reelection bid scheduled for November 2026. Initially elected to the U.S. House in 1998, she gained nationwide recognition as the sole member of Congress to oppose the 2001 Authorization for Use of Military Force Act in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks.