Adena Ishii Elected as Berkeley’s First Asian American Mayor in Historic Upset

Political newcomer Adena Ishii narrowly defeats Vice Mayor Sophie Hahn, promising a fresh start for City Hall and focusing on unity and key city issues.

• Adena Ishii, a nonprofit consultant and former League of Women Voters chapter president, won Berkeley’s mayoral race with 51% of the vote in a close ranked-choice election.
• Ishii’s victory marks a historic milestone as she becomes Berkeley’s first Asian American mayor and the first woman of color to hold the position.
• Vice Mayor Sophie Hahn, the initial frontrunner and a seasoned city councilmember, conceded after trailing by just 1,039 votes in final tabulations.
• Ishii campaigned on the need for a ‘reset’ at City Hall, emphasizing unity and addressing issues like affordable housing, homelessness, and mental health support.
• Outgoing Mayor Jesse Arreguín steps down after eight years in office, having recently been elected to the state Senate.

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