Barbara Lee Enters Oakland Mayoral Race Amid 13 Other Candidates; Kevin Jenkins Serves as Interim Mayor

Jan 6, 2025, 09:46 PM

Former U.S. Representative Barbara Lee has filed paperwork to run for mayor of Oakland in the upcoming special election on April 15. This move comes after the recall of the previous mayor, Sheng Thao, in November. Lee, who represented the East Bay in the House for over two decades, has formed a campaign committee named 'Barbara Lee for Oakland Mayor 2025' and has filed a candidate intention statement. The filing of these documents is one of the initial steps required for candidates to begin fundraising for their campaigns. Currently, 13 other individuals have also filed papers indicating their interest in running for the position. The nomination period for the election will close on January 17. In the interim, Kevin Jenkins, a member of the Oakland City Council representing part of East Oakland, has been elected as the council's new president and will serve as the city's interim mayor until the special election.