By Evan Ward
Barbara Lee, the former Bay Area congresswoman known for her lone vote against the war in Afghanistan after 9/11, has entered the race for Oakland mayor.
Lee, 78, announced her candidacy in a video on social media, pledging to lead an “Oakland renaissance” and address the city’s deep-rooted challenges of high crime, homelessness, and business closures.
Lee, the highest-ranking Black woman in House Democratic leadership during her tenure, concluded her 25-year congressional career last week. She opted not to seek re-election, focusing instead on a Senate run, where she finished fourth in last year’s primary.
Oakland has been in political flux since voters recalled Sheng Thao in November after less than two years in office. The city, currently led by its second interim mayor, will hold a special election in April to fill the position.
“This is our moment. This is our movement,” Lee said in her campaign video, highlighting her decades of experience as a legislator, small-business owner, and Oakland resident.
Lee’s candidacy has drawn significant support. In December, an open letter urging her to run was signed by local leaders, including Nikki Fortunato Bas, a former interim mayor, who praised Lee as “someone who can build trust in government.” Bas added that Lee’s ability to work across the aisle would be crucial for Oakland’s recovery.
Her primary opponent, Loren Taylor, who narrowly lost to Thao in the 2022 mayoral race, welcomed the challenge. Taylor, a former City Council member, emphasized his hands-on approach to local governance. “Years in Congress don’t replace rolling up sleeves and working with communities,” he said.
The special election winner will complete Thao’s term, ending in January 2027.
