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Progressive Icon and Ex-US Rep. Barbara Lee Wins Race for Mayor of Struggling Oakland, California

April 21, 2025

Former U.S. Representative Barbara Lee has declared victory as the new mayor of Oakland, following a concession from her opponent Loren Taylor in the April 15 race. Lee, a 78-year-old Black female political trailblazer who served in Congress for over two decades, was endorsed by former Oakland mayors and Governor Jerry Brown as the experienced leader needed to unite the deeply divided city. She will inherit significant challenges including homelessness, crime, drug use, and economic stagnation that have prompted state intervention and business closures.

Who is affected

  • Oakland residents (approximately 400,000 people)
  • Oakland businesses (including those experiencing closures like In-N-Out Burger)
  • People experiencing homelessness in Oakland
  • City of Oakland government and services
  • California Highway Patrol officers deployed to help combat crime

What action is being taken

  • Barbara Lee is transitioning to become the new mayor of Oakland after declaring victory
  • California Governor Gavin Newsom is sending California Highway Patrol officers to help combat crime in Oakland
  • Ballots are continuing to be counted from the April 15 mayoral race
  • Lee is preparing to address the city's problems including economic stagnation, crime, and homelessness

Why it matters

  • Oakland faces serious challenges including homelessness, public drug use, illegal sideshows, gun violence, and robberies
  • The city lacks sufficient funds to pay for public services
  • Oakland experienced political instability with the recall of former Mayor Sheng Thao in November and her subsequent indictment on federal charges
  • Lee represents a potential unifying presence in what she describes as a "deeply divided City"
  • The race between Lee and Taylor represented different approaches to addressing Oakland's problems

What's next

  • Lee will finish out the remainder of Thao's term and would be up for reelection in November 2026
  • Lee plans to focus on economic development, job creation, and ensuring core city services function properly
  • Lee intends to work on community services as well as police improvements

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint