Jan 6, 2025 Story by: Editor
OAKLAND — Former U.S. Representative Barbara Lee, a longtime advocate for progressive policies and East Bay politics, has taken a significant step toward running for mayor of Oakland by establishing a campaign finance committee.
According to filings with the city and the Secretary of State’s office, the committee, titled Barbara Lee for Oakland Mayor 2025, will function as the fundraising mechanism for her potential campaign.
Although Lee has yet to formally declare her candidacy by filing the necessary paperwork with the city—a customary initial step—her formation of the committee has sparked speculation and preparation among Oakland’s political circles. Her status as a celebrated progressive figure is expected to heavily influence the upcoming mayoral race.
“This is exciting,” said lobbyist Isaac Kos-Read, who had considered running for mayor if Lee chose not to. “I really think she can bring us together.”
Challenges and Competition in the Special Election
The special election, scheduled for April 15, follows a swift timeline, with the filing deadline on January 17. So far, 13 candidates have expressed interest by pulling papers or filing their intent to run.
Lee’s candidacy could transcend Oakland’s political divides, with potential backing from labor unions and the business community alike. Her ability to unite a city grappling with budget challenges and a fractious political environment is a topic of discussion. These issues culminated in the recall of former Mayor Sheng Thao by voters in November.
However, questions remain about whether Lee, at age 78, can seamlessly transition from federal legislation to the demands of city governance. Comparisons have been drawn to former political giants like Ron Dellums and Jerry Brown, whose mayoral terms in Oakland produced mixed outcomes.
Should she enter the race, Lee would face opposition from Loren Taylor, a former city council member, and Renia Webb, a past chief of staff to Thao. Both have stated they will remain in the race even if Lee runs.
Seneca Scott, a key figure in Thao’s recall effort, called on Lee’s competitors to adopt a vision focused on tackling pressing issues such as crime, policing, and public spending. “We need a vision for Oakland’s future—both urgent and long-term—that inspires action and rekindles hope,” Scott wrote on social media. “Otherwise, Lee wins without breaking a sweat.”
Lee’s Background and Mayoral Considerations
Barbara Lee has been meeting with Oakland officials in recent weeks to discuss key city issues, including the budget crisis and homelessness. While Oakland’s crime statistics have shown improvement, upcoming budget cuts could result in layoffs for 91 city employees and the temporary closure of six fire stations out of the city’s 25.
Lee recently concluded her 26-year Congressional career, during which she represented Oakland and neighboring cities such as Alameda, Berkeley, and San Leandro. A Texas native who moved to Oakland in the 1970s as a Mills College student, Lee has consistently engaged with local matters, including school faculty strikes and the Oakland A’s departure.
Despite opposing Thao’s recall as mayor, Lee has remained measured in publicly addressing her potential candidacy. In December, she described the decision as one she wouldn’t take lightly, stating in a social media post that she was weighing her options carefully.
As the April special election draws nearer, all eyes will be on Lee and her next steps in potentially reshaping Oakland’s political future. Source: Mercury News
