Democratic Rep. Barbara Lee has officially confirmed that she is considering running for mayor of Oakland in the upcoming special election. The announcement comes as the city looks to fill the void left by the recall of its former mayor.
In a tweet, Lee stated that she will make a decision on whether to run in early January. The veteran congresswoman, who is known for her progressive stances and opposition to the war in Afghanistan, would likely be the frontrunner in the race. Her candidacy could also prompt other progressive candidates to step aside, consolidating support behind her.
However, Lee’s potential candidacy has raised concerns among moderate activists and donors who are looking to steer Oakland towards a more centrist direction. The recall of former Mayor Sheng Thao was largely driven by frustration with dysfunction in City Hall, and some believe that a more centrist leader is needed to address the city’s budget deficit and gun violence issues.
The special election is scheduled for April 15 and will use Oakland’s ranked-choice voting system. Lee would face competition from candidates like former city councilmember Loren Taylor, a moderate Democrat, and possibly former NFL player Marshawn Lynch.
Lee’s unsuccessful bid for the U.S. Senate earlier this year highlighted her struggles to raise funds and appeal to a broader range of voters. However, her strong name recognition and alignment with Oakland’s liberal politics on key issues like police accountability could give her an advantage in the mayoral race.
Prior to considering a run for mayor, Lee had expressed interest in serving as Housing and Urban Development secretary in a potential Kamala Harris administration. With the vice president’s loss in the recent election, Lee is now focusing on the possibility of leading her hometown of Oakland.
