Veteran political leader and progressive trailblazer Barbara Lee has set her sights on Oakland’s top job.
On Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025, the former U.S. Representative announced her candidacy for mayor of Oakland, California, marking a new chapter in her storied career of public service.
“Oaklanders have always overcome challenges by coming together,” Lee declared in a post on X. “At this critical moment, we must not be a city divided, but a community united.”
Lee’s announcement comes just months after her unsuccessful bid for a U.S. Senate seat and follows the high-profile recall of former Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao in November. Thao’s removal from office came after an FBI search of her residence, leaving a power vacuum in the city’s leadership. A special mayoral election is slated for April 15, 2025.
A Vision for Oakland’s Future
Lee, 78, promises a hands-on approach to tackling Oakland’s pressing challenges. On her campaign website, she outlined her priorities:
- Addressing Homelessness: “Working together, we will provide shelter, services, and programs to our unhoused residents,” she stated.
- Enhancing Public Safety: Lee emphasized investment in violence prevention and public safety initiatives.
- Economic Equity: Her platform includes boosting housing, education, and economic opportunities in historically underserved communities.
Lee’s commitment to unifying Oakland aligns with her decades-long legacy of fighting for social justice and progressive causes.
A Progressive Icon with Deep Roots
Representing Oakland in Congress since 1998, Lee has been a consistent voice for equity and inclusion. She made headlines as the lone vote against the Authorization for Use of Military Force in 2001 and has been a champion for affordable housing, education, and healthcare.
Though she chose not to seek re-election to Congress last year, her enduring popularity and name recognition in Oakland position her as a formidable candidate in the upcoming mayoral race.
Oakland faces significant challenges, including rising homelessness, concerns over public safety, and a fractured political climate following Thao’s recall.
Lee’s message of unity and hands-on leadership resonates with many voters who are eager for stability and progress.
