Voters in Oakland, California, have removed Mayor Sheng Thao from office, marking the end of her tenure just two years after narrowly winning the mayoral race in the liberal San Francisco Bay Area city. The Associated Press officially called the race on Monday, signaling a change in leadership for the city.
In a statement released last week, Thao expressed gratitude for being chosen as Mayor and highlighted her historic achievement as the first Hmong American woman to lead a major American city. She also pledged to ensure a smooth transition as she prepares to vacate the office once election results are certified on December 5.
According to City Council President Nikki Fortunato Bas, the Oakland City Council will declare a vacancy at its next meeting on December 17, triggering a special election for a new mayor to be held within 120 days, or approximately four months.
During this interim period, Bas, as the City Council president, will serve as the interim mayor unless she secures a seat on the Alameda County Board of Supervisors. As of the latest update, Bas was trailing in that particular race.
Thao's mayoral term, which began in November 2022, was marked by controversy, including the firing of Oakland Police Chief LeRonne Armstrong shortly after taking office. Criticism from frustrated voters, including the local NAACP, centered on various city issues such as public safety, homelessness, and budget concerns.
Thao's removal from office was not the only change in leadership following the recent election. Alameda County District Attorney Pamela Price was also ousted by voters in a recall election, with critics citing disagreements with the officials' progressive policies.
Thao faced additional challenges leading up to the election, including an FBI raid on her home in June, which also targeted properties owned by a politically influential family linked to the city's recycling contract. Despite maintaining her innocence, Thao's reputation was tarnished by the investigation.
Oakland, known for its progressive politics and ranked choice voting system, has a population of approximately 400,000 residents and has been more politically liberal than neighboring San Francisco. The city has grappled with various issues, including the loss of three professional sports franchises in recent years.
California Governor Gavin Newsom has provided support to Oakland in addressing crime by deploying state highway patrol officers, prosecutors, and surveillance cameras to assist with public safety efforts.
