Oakland shares timeline for replacing mayor after Sheng Thao recalled

OAKLAND, Calif. (KGO) -- Oakland will have a new mayor after Mayor Sheng Thao was recalled in the November election. That much we know. But the path to who will become the next mayor involves several steps.

Oakland city officials held a press event Wednesday morning to explain the process.

RELATED: Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao recalled by voters

Officials expect the Alameda County Registrar of Voters to certify the November election results by Thursday.

The Oakland City Council has to accept the results, which it will do at its next city council meeting on Dec. 17.

At that moment, Mayor Sheng Thao will no longer be mayor.

MORE: How police department plays large role in Oakland's $93 million budget deficit

City council President Nikki Fortunato Bas will become interim mayor. However, Bas is also moving on. She won her race for Alameda County Board of Supervisors for District 5. S she will a submit a letter of resignation and serve until Jan. 6.

At that Jan. 6 meeting, a new city council will be sworn in and they will pick the next city council president and president pro temp. That president will become interim mayor and pro temp will be acting council president.

Next, there will be a special election for Oakland mayor and Bas's District 2 seat, which will be held on April 15. The interim mayor will serve until the winner of the special election is sworn in.

So Oakland will likely have four mayors between now and April. 3 - if the interim mayor runs and wins.

Now, all of this unfolds as Oakland faces a historic budget deficit. But the way Oakland government is set up, the mayor is not as strong as in other cities.

Bas explains how this will impact budget. "I want to say very clearly that continuity and stability are critical during this time of transition. Oakland residents deserve for all of us to come together for our leadership to be strong and effective. To be focused on our fiscal responsibility, safe communities as well as our other ongoing priorities."