Barbara Lee, the former congresswoman from the Bay Area renowned for her dissent against the Afghanistan war following the September 11 attacks—she is also celebrated for her influential role in the Democratic leadership within the House of Representatives—has announced she is running for mayor of Oakland, California.
She shared the news in a video on social media shortly after finishing her over 20-year career in the House, where she was the highest-ranking Black woman in Democratic leadership. Lee, 78, chose not to run for re-election so she could try for a Senate seat, but she lost in that primary last year.
Oakland continues to face major challenges such as the increased rates of crime, the unhoused, and a significant loss in small businesses, which has led to several different mayors coming and going. The city has been on its second interim mayor since November after voters decided to remove Sheng Thao, who was mayor for less than two years. A special election is planned for April.
In the video, Lee said she would use her background as a lawmaker, small-business owner, and long-time resident to help bring about positive change in Oakland.
“This is our moment,” she shared. “This is our movement.”
Last May, she came in fourth in a tough Senate primary aimed at filling the vacancy left by Senator Dianne Feinstein, who died in September 2023. She fell behind Adam Schiff, her fellow House Democrat, as well as former baseball player Steve Garvey, a Republican, and Representative Katie Porter, another Democrat from the House. Ultimately, Mr. Schiff claimed the seat after both he and Mr. Garvey progressed to the November election due to California’s open primary system.
Lee started her political career by working on Shirley Chisholm’s presidential campaign in 1972, later earning a seat in Congress in 1998. A pivotal moment in her political story came in 2001 when she stood alone in opposing the decision to wage war in Afghanistan following the September 11 attacks, marking a significant chapter in her Washington career.
As Lee concluded her remarkable journey serving the Oakland community, she had transformed from a figure often marginalized for her controversial stances – her opposition to the war once drew death threats – to one whose perspectives are now honored, embraced, and even imitated. During her last vote on the House floor a few weeks ago, she was greeted with applause, solidifying her legacy as an inspiration for a new generation.
Oaklanders have always overcome challenges by coming together. At this critical moment, we must not be a city divided, but a community united.
— Barbara Lee (@BarbaraLee_CA) January 8, 2025
With the support of Oakland Firefighters, business and labor leaders, and community I’ve made the decision to run for Mayor of Oakland… pic.twitter.com/HpZCvPtwhg
Even prior to her formal campaign launch for mayor, a number of prominent figures from Oakland were already rallying behind her.
In December, a letter was made public, urging Lee to enter the competition, backed by community members who were divided on their feelings toward Ms. Thao’s recall. It was signed by local residents who had different opinions about recalling Ms. Thao and often disagreed on how to improve the struggling city.
Included in the group was Nikki Fortunato Bas, a previous City Council member who briefly took on the role of interim mayor and stood against the recall of Ms. Thao.
Nikki described Lee as “someone who can build trust in governments” and believes that her skill in working with Republicans would be appreciated and respected. She also said that Lee’s extensive background in negotiations will be essential for uniting businesses, labor groups, and individuals with varying perspectives on how to foster safer communities.
Lee’s biggest rival is presumably Loren Taylor, a Democrat who nearly defeated Thao in a ranked-choice voting process in 2022.
In a Wednesday interview, Mr. Taylor, who was on the Oakland City Council from 2019 to 2023, mentioned that he is excited to run against and debate Lee in the coming months.
The winner of the special election will take over the remaining duration of Thao’s term, which wraps up in January 2027.
