After Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao's recall, these candidates are lining up for the job

After a stunning recall put an abrupt end to Mayor Sheng Thao’s two years as mayor, who will lead Oakland next remains unclear. The number of people throwing their hat in the ring is growing rapidly — but political insiders have zeroed in on one name in particular: Rep. Barbara Lee.

The Oakland Democrat, who has been in Congress since 1998 and is 78 years old, has not publicly said she intends to run for the position, and her office declined to comment......

Another major potential candidate is Loren Taylor, who ran against Thao in 2022. Taylor told the Chronicle Tuesday that he plans to run for the position and is prepared to address the city’s most pressing issues........

Other names that have been floated include Council Member Dan Kalb, who gave up his seat to run for state Senate. Kalb, who didn’t win the Senate election, said he plans to get a state job working in environmental policy. Former NFL running back Marshawn Lynch has hinted at a potential run for mayor, according to Politico, but the Chronicle was unable to confirm it. Isaac Kos-Read, who leads a public affairs firm, told the Chronicle he plans to run for mayor because he wants to unite the city. Allyssa Victory, who ran for the office in 2022, told the Chronicle she’s also considering a run, but has not yet made a decision.

Oakland will hold a special election in the spring to replace Thao for the remainder of her term. The mayor’s ouster came as voters held her responsible for the city’s struggles with public safety concerns, an economy that is still struggling to recover from the 2020 pandemic, and the persistent problem of homelessness.




https://www.sfchronicle.com/election/article/oakland-mayor-s-recall-candidates-run-job-19910216.php