Renia Webb, once chief of staff to former Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao and now an educator, has declared her run for the recently vacated mayoral seat. Webb, no stranger to City Hall, had previously uncovered practices within Thao's administration that led to the mayor's political downfall, as per records from November.

When she filed her candidacy paperwork last month, Webb pledged to restore integrity to public office while focusing on an agenda that promises to uplift Oakland's communities. "My Oakland roots run deep, with family ties in this area for more than 100 years," Webb stated in an announcement covered by CBS News Bay Area. She touted her strong commitment to public health, safety, affordable housing, education, economic revitalization, and fiscal responsibility.

Webb's credentials extend to gun safety advocacy, a stance she fortifies through her work with Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America. According to her LinkedIn profile, her state-level efforts aim to enact gun safety legislation, signaling her multifaceted approach to public welfare.

The decision to run comes after Webb disclosed alleged pay-to-play schemes involving Thao's partner, Andre Jones. "I definitely believe that, out of the mouth of the people that told me, they were promised positions, they were promised board positions," Webb declared in an interview with CBS News Bay Area, revealing the depths of corruption she witnessed. Thao was removed from office with over 60% of Oakland voters in favor, leading to an April 15 special election for which Webb now campaigns.

The race for mayor, however, isn't a solo endeavor for Webb, as she faces six other candidates, according to details from KTVU. This collective reflects the city's diverse spectrum of thought and ambition, all looking to guide Oakland through a fresh chapter following a turbulent era in local politics.