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Barbara Lee Secures Victory in Oakland Mayoral Special Election

The former congresswoman wins with over 52% of first-choice votes, pledging to tackle public safety, homelessness, and the city's $140 million budget deficit.

A sign points voters to an election polling location on election day in Oakland, Calif., on Nov. 8, 2022.
Barbara Lee greets supporters on election night on April 15, 2025. Three days later, when the next round of votes dropped, she had an insurmountable lead and secured her place as the next mayor of Oakland. in Oakland, Calif., on Tuesday, April 15, 2025.
Barbara Lee and Loren Taylor.
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Overview

  • Barbara Lee has been declared the winner of Oakland's special mayoral election, defeating Loren Taylor with 52% of first-choice votes to his 47%.
  • The election was triggered by the November 2024 recall of former Mayor Sheng Thao, who was later indicted on federal bribery charges.
  • Lee's victory concludes a ranked-choice voting process, with mail-in ballots propelling her to a decisive lead after initial results showed Taylor ahead.
  • As mayor, Lee will serve the remainder of Thao's term until November 2026 and has outlined a 100-day plan focused on public safety, homelessness, and maintaining city services.
  • Oakland faces significant challenges, including a $140 million structural budget deficit, increased crime, and homelessness, which Lee has pledged to address through collaboration and targeted initiatives.