Barbara Lee enters Oakland mayoral race

Jan 9, 2025 Story by: Editor

Former Representative Barbara Lee has officially declared her candidacy for mayor of Oakland. Lee, a prominent Democrat and progressive leader, seeks to address the city’s significant budget deficit and leadership gap following a recent mayoral recall.

At 78, Lee is a well-known figure in Oakland and beyond, celebrated for her unwavering stance against war. She gained national attention as the sole member of Congress to vote against the war in Afghanistan following the September 11 attacks.

Lee’s mayoral campaign follows her recent attempt to succeed the late Sen. Dianne Feinstein. Despite her efforts, she did not advance past the primary, marking her first departure from public office in decades.

Race for the Mayor’s Office

Among Lee’s opponents is former City Councilmember Loren Taylor, a moderate Democrat who previously ran for mayor in 2022 but fell short of victory.

In her campaign announcement, Lee emphasized her reputation for bold decision-making. Referring to her vote after 9/11, she stated in her first ad, “I was the one who spoke truth to power while others succumbed to jingoism.”

Special Election Timeline

Lee faces a compressed timeline to campaign for the role, with the special election scheduled for April 15. Her long-standing connection to Oakland, which she represented during her congressional career, is expected to play a crucial role in garnering support.

With her candidacy, Lee aims to leverage her progressive credentials and deep roots in the community to navigate Oakland through its financial and leadership crisis. Source: Politico