Barbara Lee Declared Oakland's First Black Female Mayor Following Loren Taylor's Concession

Barbara Lee has won the Oakland mayoral race, defeating former City Councilmember Loren Taylor in a close contest, with Lee receiving nearly 53% of the vote to Taylor's 47%. The election followed the recall and federal indictment of former mayor Sheng Thao, and Lee will serve out the remainder of Thao’s term through 2026. Taylor conceded and congratulated Lee, expressing pride in his campaign's performance despite facing significant opposition from political insiders and labor unions. Lee, a longtime progressive leader and former congresswoman, emphasized her commitment to uniting Oakland and addressing the city's pressing challenges, including a significant budget deficit. The race was marked by aggressive campaigning and drew national attention, with both candidates highlighting the need for pragmatic leadership. Lee’s victory marks a historic milestone as she becomes the first Black woman to serve as Oakland’s mayor.