Barbara Lee sworn in as mayor of Oakland at City Hall ceremony
Barbara Lee, Oakland's longtime progressive former congresswoman, was sworn in as the city's 52nd mayor on Tuesday, promising to usher in a new era of progress and unity in an embattled city she has called deeply divided.
The 78-year-old Democrat takes the reins of a city facing a nearly $130 million budget shortfall, vowing to focus on public safety, increased housing and economic development, more county resources to shelter people facing homelessness, and rooting out corruption. Her 10-point plan for her first 100 days in office includes creating partnerships with top Oakland businesses and the Police Department to improve public safety, clean city streets, and streamline building permits.
"I know that we have been through a lot and we will continue to go through our share of challenges," said Lee in her remarks following her inauguration. "But what I know about Oakland is we are a community that punches above our weight,"
The Texas-born Lee took the oath of office Tuesday at a noon ceremony in Oakland City Hall's City Council chambers, becoming the city's first Black woman mayor. She noted that she took the oath of office with her hand on a Bible that belonged to her grandfather, born two years after the end of slavery. Lee also recounted how her great-grandmother lived through slavery and that her mother was among the first students to integrate Texas schools.
Last month, Lee defeated former Oakland City Councilmember Loren Taylor in a special election after voters recalled former Mayor Sheng Thao from office in November 2024. The recall election followed a June FBI raid on the home Thao shares with her partner Andre Jones.
In January, Thao, Jones, and members of the politically influential Duong family were indicted on corruption charges. Thao has denied any wrongdoing and dismissed claims that Jones had any involvement in her administration.
Lee represented Oakland in Congress from 1998 until stepping down in January. She previously served in the California State Assembly for six years and the state Senate for two years.
Last year, Lee ran an unsuccessful campaign for the Senate seat of the late Dianne Feinstein.
A community inauguration is scheduled for June 8 at 3 p.m. at Jack London Square.
