Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee launches reelection campaign for full 4-year term

OAKLAND, Calif. -- Barbara Lee, a former congresswoman who took over as Oakland's mayor after her predecessor left in disgrace, launched her campaign for a full four-year term on Saturday.

Lee, 79, won a race in April 2025 to finish former Mayor Sheng Thao's term after Thao was recalled amid allegations of bribery.

"One year ago, Oaklanders made a clear choice," Lee said on social media. "We chose to come together -- labor and business, neighbors and community leaders, residents from every part of our city -- around a shared belief that Oakland can be safer, cleaner, stronger, and more hopeful."

The first Black woman to lead the city, Lee represented Oakland in Congress from 1998 to 2025.

During her term in the mayor's office, she said, homicides have fallen to a 58-year low and violent crime has declined.

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Her administration has mobilized more than 10,000 volunteers through a "Keep the Town Clean" initiative, Lee said.

"I am running for reelection because our work together for a vibrant Oakland is far from finished," she said.

"In the next four years, my commitment to you is this: I will keep fighting for a city where our children can dream boldly, our seniors can age with dignity, our working families can afford to live, our small businesses, artists, entrepreneurs, and young people can thrive, and every neighborhood is safe and clean."

Lee's current term runs through Jan. 4, 2027.