Barbara Lee declares victory in Oakland mayors race

Barbara Lee has decisively won the Oakland mayoral race, defeating Loren Taylor and nine other candidates, making history as the first Black woman to serve as mayor. The Alameda County registrar of voters confirmed that Lee garnered just over 50% of first-round votes, increasing to approximately 53% after ranked-choice votes were counted. In her victory speech, Lee expressed gratitude and a commitment to unite the community, acknowledging the city's divisions and the need for collaboration to address pressing issues. Taylor, who congratulated Lee, highlighted the challenges his campaign faced, including significant opposition from political insiders and labor unions. This election follows the dramatic recall of former mayor Sheng Thao, who now faces federal corruption charges, creating a context of urgency for Lee's leadership.

As she steps into her role, Lee will tackle a $140 million budget deficit, alongside concerns about crime and public safety. Her leadership will be crucial in navigating these challenges while representing a diverse constituency. With a term set to last until the end of 2026, Lee's approach will be closely scrutinized as Oakland looks for solutions to its pressing issues.