Oakland will elect a new mayor, decide on a sales tax increase, and fill an open City Council seat in a special election on April 15.
The election follows the first successful recall of a mayor in the city’s history. Former Mayor Sheng Thao was recalled in November 2024 as she faced federal investigation into allegations of providing political favors in return for campaign contributions. She was indicted in January 2025.
Thao and the district attorney were ousted by voters also concerned about the city’s budget deficit, homelessness, and crime.
Ten candidates are in the race for mayor, including an Olympian, a union factory worker, and an entertainer. Former U.S. Rep. Barbara Lee and former City Councilman Loren Taylor are the front-runners….