Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao: In a historic shift, Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao has been decisively recalled by voters, marking the first successful recall of a sitting Oakland mayor in over a century. Unofficial results from Tuesday’s general election show a significant margin, with 63.85% supporting the recall compared to 36.15% opposing it.
Thao’s ouster comes just two years after she assumed office, narrowly winning the mayoral race in 2022. Her term has been marred by mounting criticisms over her handling of Oakland’s persistent crime and homelessness crises. Her decision to fire former Police Chief LeRonne Armstrong, who had widespread support within the community, became a lightning rod for controversy. Additionally, Thao’s administration faced backlash after missing a crucial deadline to apply for state funding aimed at combating retail theft, at a time when Oakland’s budget deficit loomed large.
Despite the challenges, Thao defended her record, citing a reduction in homicides this year and progress in revitalizing parts of the city, such as the sale of the city’s stake in the Oakland Coliseum for redevelopment. In her concession statement, Thao expressed gratitude for the opportunity to lead, stating, “It has always been about Oakland. The changes we’ve enacted in these two short years will be felt for generations.”
Thao’s recall was heavily supported by the Oakland Police Officers Association and several prominent community activists. Critics accused her of mismanaging city resources and failing to ensure public safety. The Oakland Police Officers Union celebrated the recall as a victory for restoring law and order, highlighting the city’s crime surge during her tenure.
The recall effort was spearheaded by several local leaders, including retired Alameda County Superior Court Judge Brenda Harbin-Forte, activist Seneca Scott, and former Oakland Chinatown Chamber of Commerce President Carl Chan. The campaign to unseat Thao gained momentum as residents grew increasingly frustrated with issues of crime, homelessness, and the perception of ineffective leadership.
Nikki Fortunato Bas, president of the Oakland City Council, is expected to serve as interim mayor. The city must organize a special election to fill the mayoral seat within 120 days, likely placing it in late April. Potential candidates include Loren Taylor, whom Thao narrowly defeated in 2022, and prominent figures like Congresswoman Barbara Lee.
This latest recall underscores a growing trend in California, where voters have increasingly turned to recalls to address frustrations with local leadership. Just last year, San Francisco District Attorney Chesa Boudin was also recalled in a public backlash over crime policies perceived as lenient.
Thao’s departure leaves Oakland at a crossroads. The city now faces the challenge of electing a new leader capable of addressing public safety concerns while navigating the financial hurdles that have exacerbated urban decay. As residents brace for a new chapter, the future of Oakland remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: the demand for decisive and effective leadership has never been greater.
