The embattled mayor of Oakland, California has lost her seat less than two years after she was elected to office. Voters recalled Sheng Thao Tuesday night. Unofficial results show the recall passing with 65% of the vote.
Thao had shouldered much of the blame for a public safety crisis in the city. There were also competency questions stemming from a grant application blunder that cost the city millions in funding.
A recall petition had already gathered enough signatures to qualify for the ballot when, in June, Thao’s home was raided by the FBI. The search was part of a corruption probe which is still underway.
Thao is expected to step down next month, at which point City Council President Nikki Fortuna Bas would become the interim mayor. A special election would have to be held within 120 days.