OAKLAND, Calif. — In a dramatic turn of events, former Congresswoman Barbara Lee has surged ahead in the race to become Oakland's next mayor, now leading with 53% of the vote compared to 47% for her main opponent, Loren Taylor. This shift comes after a tense election night on April 15, 2025, where Taylor initially held a lead with 51% to Lee's 48%. The latest results, released on April 18, show Lee with a commanding lead of about 5,000 votes, raising hopes for her supporters.
The Alameda County Registrar's Office has noted that approximately 300 vote-by-mail ballots still need to be checked for signatures, and ballots postmarked by Election Day will continue to be accepted until April 22. Lee's campaign has described the latest results as "encouraging," though they have refrained from declaring victory just yet. Political analysts suggest that it would be a significant challenge for Taylor to recover from this deficit.
Lee's rise in the polls reflects a pattern seen in previous elections, where progressive voters tend to deliver their ballots closer to the election deadline. This trend has historically benefited candidates like Lee, who is known for her progressive platform and extensive political experience, having represented Oakland and surrounding areas in Congress for nearly three decades.
Political experts have pointed out that if these results hold, Lee will make history as the first Black female mayor of Oakland. Her victory would be particularly poignant given the city's recent political turmoil, including the recall of former Mayor Sheng Thao in November 2024, who faced significant voter dissatisfaction over crime, homelessness, and financial mismanagement.
Thao's administration was marred by an FBI investigation, which culminated in her indictment on federal bribery charges. Lee's campaign has focused on restoring trust and stability in city governance, promising to tackle pressing issues such as public safety and homelessness, which are top concerns for Oakland residents.
In her statement following the latest vote tally, Lee expressed optimism, stating, "We are exceeding expected turnout for this special election because the people of Oakland care deeply about our future. This is democracy at work, and I look forward to further election updates." Her campaign has emphasized the need for unity in a city that has been described as deeply divided.
Meanwhile, Taylor has not conceded the race and was not immediately available for comment after the latest results were released. He previously held a strong lead on election night, and his campaign had positioned him as a moderate alternative to Lee, appealing to voters in the wealthier hills of Oakland.
As the election continues to unfold, the Alameda County Registrar's Office has indicated that it could take weeks before a final tally is confirmed. The office is currently processing remaining mail-in ballots and will also address “uncured” ballots—those with signature discrepancies—by reaching out to voters to correct any issues.
In addition to the mayoral race, another significant election is taking place for the District 2 council seat, which was vacated by Nikki Fortunato Bas after her election to the Alameda County Board of Supervisors. Charlene Wang has established a solid lead in that race, currently holding 59% of the vote against Kara Murray-Badal, who has 41%. Wang's campaign has focused on public safety, and her lead appears insurmountable as the election results continue to be counted.
As Lee prepares for a potential victory, she faces the daunting task of addressing Oakland's myriad challenges. The city has been grappling with a nearly $140 million structural budget deficit, which has led to layoffs, a hiring freeze, and the temporary closure of fire stations. Lee's proposed 100-day plan prioritizes public safety, maintaining city services, and addressing the homelessness crisis, which she has described as a "moral disgrace."
Lee has pledged to work with local business leaders to boost economic development and ensure that Oakland receives its fair share of tax revenues from Alameda County and the state. Her plan also includes implementing Measure NN, a property tax approved by voters that is expected to generate $47 million annually for public safety departments. This measure mandates that the city maintain a minimum of 700 police officers, with Lee advocating for a long-term goal of exceeding 800 officers.
As Oakland stands at a crossroads, the election of Barbara Lee could signify a shift toward progressive leadership that aims to unite the community and address the pressing issues facing the city. With the election results still pending confirmation, the eyes of Oakland and beyond remain fixed on the outcome of this pivotal race.
