Former Congresswoman Barbara Lee has won the special election to replace Sheng Thao as Mayor of Oakland. Candidate Loren Taylor, a former member of the City Council, conceded the race over the weekend.
Lee served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1998 to January of this year. She previously served in both the California State Senate and Assembly.
Lee will complete Thao’s term, which ends in January of 2027. Thao was recalled by voters in November and is currently facing federal corruption charges.
The incoming mayor faces a difficult path ahead. Crime is up significantly in Oakland and a number of businesses have left the city. There is a large budget deficit and the police department is understaffed.
Read more about the special election and Lee’s victory at The Oaklandside.