Barbara Lee, former U.S. Representative and prominent progressive leader, has been elected as the new mayor of Oakland, California. In the final round of ranked-choice voting, Lee secured over 52% of the vote, defeating former City Councilmember Loren Taylor, who later conceded the race.
Lee’s win comes after the recall of former Mayor Sheng Thao in November 2024. She will complete Thao’s term and is eligible to run for re-election in 2026.
In her victory speech, Lee called for unity in a city grappling with issues like crime, homelessness, and economic challenges. She promised to address these pressing concerns and bring positive change to Oakland’s future.
