One day after submitting her paperwork to the city, former U.S. Representative Barbara Lee declared her intention to run for Oakland mayor on Wednesday.
In a press release on Wednesday morning, Lee declared that she was “ready to fight for Oakland” and that she would compete in the April 15 special election in Oakland.
In a prepared statement, Lee stated, “Oaklanders have consistently faced our most difficult challenges by coming together to overcome them.” “At this crucial juncture, we must be a community together rather than a divided city. If elected, I would use my practical leadership, fresh perspectives, and decades of experience to find billions of dollars in resources for our wonderful city, making all companies and citizens safer and stronger and fostering a sense of hope and confidence in Oakland’s future.”
Oaklanders have always united to overcome obstacles. We must be a unified community at this crucial juncture, not a divided city.I’ve decided to run for mayor of Oakland with the help of the community, business and labor leaders, and Oakland firefighters.https://twitwhg.twitwhg
In addition to being economically conservative, Lee promised to address the homelessness epidemic, public safety, and mental health services “to deliver the core City services residents and business owners deserve.”
Lee submitted paperwork to the city’s election department on Tuesday under the moniker “Barbara Lee for Oakland Mayor 2025,” which is one of the prerequisites for candidates to begin collecting money for their campaigns. A candidate intention statement was also submitted by Lee.
From her initial election in 1998 until last year, Lee served as the representative for California’s 12th Congressional District. She ran to succeed Dianne Feinstein, who served in the U.S. Senate from 1992 until her passing in 2023.
After losing the California primary in March and declaring she was not seeking reelection, Lee made room for the two new contenders by not making it to the general election. In November, Lateefah Simon, a member of the BART board, was chosen to succeed Lee.
Mayor Sheng Thao, who lost a recall election in November, will be replaced by a new mayor chosen in a special election on April 15. Kevin Jenkins, a council member, was appointed temporary mayor on Monday and will serve until the special election.
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Eliot Pierce is a dedicated writer for ChiefsFocus.com, covering local crime and finance news. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, Eliot aims to provide his readers with clear and insightful analysis, helping them navigate the complexities of their financial lives while staying informed about important local events. His commitment to delivering accurate and engaging content makes him a valuable resource for the community.