Barbara Lee wins tight race to become Oakland's next mayor-elect with Loren Taylor conceding

OAKLAND, Calif. (KGO) -- There's a winner in the Oakland mayor's race.

Former East Bay Congresswoman Barbara Lee has defeated former Oakland City Councilmember Loren Taylor by a thin margin. The ballots still need to be certified, but Lee has more than 52% of the votes.

Taylor called Lee to congratulate her and concede the race.

Mayor-elect Barbara Lee appeared victorious at a community Easter event Saturday in East Oakland, thanking voters.

"I just stopped by here today to say thank you first, and we love Oakland, right? We love life in Oakland, right?" Lee said.

The former East Bay congresswoman defeated former Oakland city councilmember Loren Taylor in a tight race. Taylor called Lee on Saturday to congratulate her and concede the race. In a statement Taylor said:

"I pray that Mayor-Elect Lee fulfills her commitment to unify Oakland by authentically engaging the 47% of Oaklanders who voted for me and who want pragmatic results-driven leadership."

Lee, who is 78, says she know the job ahead won't be easy, from reducing crime to dealing with the city's budget deficit.

"We're going in with the majority of the city council working together to move our city forward," Lee said.

The mayor-elect says she has 10 priorities for the first 90 days in office.

"Public safety meeting with our police chief and department heads, looking at all the issues, unsheltered population, moving forward with economic development," Lee said.

Lee is taking the job after the recall of former Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao, who faces federal corruption charges. Lee is slated to serve as mayor until the next election in 2026.

Interim Mayor Kevin Jenkins says it's time to move the city forward.

"It's time to turn the page, and the congresswoman, or mayor-elect, offers us a chance to turn the page on the last administration to this administration," Jenkins said.

"I won't lie, I won't wish this job on anyone, lots of things in Oakland that need resolving, I think she can do it," said Arroyo Viejo Recreation Center Director Claytoven Richardson.

Lee could take office in mid to late May after the official vote count is certified. She will make history as being the city's first Black female mayor.

Barbara Lee full statement:

"This morning, Loren Taylor called me to concede the race. While I believe strongly in respecting the democratic voting process and ballots will continue to be counted through Tuesday, the results are clear that the people of Oakland have elected me as your next Mayor. Thank you, Oakland!

"I accept your choice with a deep sense of responsibility, humility, and love. Oakland is a deeply divided City; I answered the call to run to unite our community, so that I can represent every voter, and we can all work together as One Oakland to solve our most pressing problems. For the past 100 days-as I have for the past 30 years-I worked hard every day to continue to earn your trust, your respect, and your vote. I couldn't be more proud of the margin of our collective win and our amazing coalition.

"Thanks to you, our Faith, Labor and Business Coalition and over 500 Oakland volunteers."

Loren Taylor full statement:

"This morning I called Congresswoman Barbara Lee to congratulate her on becoming the next Mayor of Oakland.

"While the outcome was not what we worked for and hoped for, I am incredibly proud of the race we ran. Our campaign started as the underdog-most didn't expect us to come this far or make it this close. We gained the support of nearly half the voting population despite having political insiders and labor unions spend heavily, spread lies, and rally against our efforts, and your hopes for the city. Thanks to the heart, grit, and vision of our fearless team and supporters, we built a movement that resonated across Oakland, echoing the national dialogue about the waning relevance of a Democratic Party that puts old-guard politics over improving the lives of everyday people. I pray that Mayor-Elect Lee fulfills her commitment to unify Oakland by authentically engaging the 47% of Oaklanders who voted for me and who want pragmatic results-driven leadership.

"To my campaign team, volunteers, and every person who knocked on a door, made a call, hosted a house party, or simply believed in the possibility of a better Oakland-thank you from the bottom of my heart. You showed what's possible when people come together with purpose and passion.

"We ran this campaign with integrity, with bold ideas, and with an unshakable commitment to the people of this city. That doesn't end this weekend. My love for Oakland runs deep, and I'll continue doing the work-lifting up the community, holding our leaders and systems accountable, and pushing for the equity, safety, and opportunity every Oaklander deserves.

"Thank you, Oakland."