Bay Area/ Oakland
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Published on November 09, 2024
Historic Recall: Oakland Mayor and Alameda County District Attorney Ousted by VotersSource: Office of Mayor Sheng Thao, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

In a historic turn of events, Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao and Alameda County District Attorney Pamela Price have faced the end of their tenures following a recall by voters. This marked the successful recall of the first Oakland mayor and Alameda County D.A. in history. According to a Facebook post, Thao, who took the mayoral reins with a vision to make Oakland safer and cleaner, expressed pride in the progress made during her time in office, including a significant drop in crime rates and investments in housing and infrastructure.

Despite critics blaming her for a high crime rate, Thao has been staunch in her defense, citing downward trending crime statistics and strategic economic plans benefiting the city. As per a KTVU report, the DA's recall concluded with 65% of voters in favor, while Thao's saw 63.85% supporting the motion. Thao conceded the outcome in her statement, demonstrating a commitment to a smooth transition for Oakland.

After the election, an interim mayor will fill the office until a special election is held, likely within 120 days of Thao's position being formally declared open. Oakland City Council President Nikki Fortunato Bas is set to step in temporarily. Several names, including former candidate Loren Taylor and U.S. Congresswoman Barbara Lee, have been floated as possible contenders for the mayoral seat.

On the other end of the recall spectrum, Oakland Police Officers Union celebrated the recall's success. They hailed it as a victory, thanking their supporters, as shared in a statement where the union stood with Oakland residents in the recall effort. With both officials running on progressive platforms, their unseating signifies a potential shift in the political landscape, with public safety concerns being a critical factor for the voters. Pamela Price, known for her leniency, faced backlash leading to her recall, leaving Chief Assistant District Attorney Royl Roberts expected to take over until the Alameda County Board of Supervisors appoints an interim district attorney. The board's decision will fill the DA position until the 2026 general election, though it remains unclear if a special election might occur.