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3mo ago

Barbara Lee Elected Oakland Mayor Following Special Ranked-Choice Election

The former congresswoman defeated Loren Taylor, securing 52.7% of the vote, and will complete Sheng Thao’s term through November 2026.

Lee, in her first public appearance as Oakland’s mayor-elect, takes the stage Saturday alongside supporters. 
Lee, who defeated former Oakland City Council Member Loren Taylor in the mayor’s race, greets supporters Saturday in her first public appearance since declaring victory.  
Former Rep. Barbara Lee makes her first public appearance as Oakland’s mayor-elect alongside interim Mayor Kevin Jenkins, center, and at-large Council Member Rowena Brown, right, at the Arroyo Viejo Recreation Center on Saturday.
A sign points voters to an election polling location on election day in Oakland, Calif., on Nov. 8, 2022.

Overview

  • Barbara Lee declared victory after her opponent Loren Taylor formally conceded the Oakland mayoral race on Saturday morning.
  • Lee won the special election triggered by the recall of former Mayor Sheng Thao, who was ousted in November and later indicted on federal bribery charges.
  • The ranked-choice voting process concluded with Lee securing 52.7% of the vote to Taylor’s 47.3%, with a margin of nearly 5,000 votes.
  • Lee, a 27-year congressional veteran, campaigned on addressing Oakland’s challenges, including public safety, homelessness, and a significant budget deficit.
  • She will serve the remainder of Thao’s term, facing pressing issues such as restoring trust in city leadership and stabilizing municipal finances.