Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao Faces Recall Election on November 5 After Securing 40,595 Signatures

Jun 19, 2024, 02:43 AM

The recall effort against Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao has officially qualified for the November ballot after securing 40,595 verified signatures. Election officials, including the Alameda County Registrar, confirmed on Tuesday that the campaign to remove Thao from office has gathered enough support. This marks the first mayoral recall in Oakland's history. The decision means that, barring any legal changes, Oakland voters will decide on November 5 whether to remove Thao from office less than two years into her tenure. The recall campaign has been driven by various issues, including Thao's proposal to cut 100 police department positions and her alleged misuse of restricted voter bond funds for libraries, streets, and parks.