Oakland, California, is navigating one of its most turbulent political moments in decades.
Two of its top elected leaders, Mayor Sheng Thao and District Attorney Pamela Price, are fighting for their political careers in a growing movement to oust them from office. The campaigns to recall them in November have been fueled by voters frustrated over crime, corruption, businesses closings, and a reluctance to hold lawbreakers accountable.
Thao, whose home was raided by the FBI earlier this year, has been dogged by pay-to-play allegations since almost the beginning of her four-year term. She is now part of a federal investigation linked to an influential Oakland family that has donated to her campaign, as well as other elected officials.
Thao’s problems have snowballed in the past few months. Not only was her home raided, but her lawyer cut her as a client while her former chief of staff and confidante Renia Webb spoke publicly about questionable moves the mayor has made.
Voters in Oakland want Thao gone, and if their efforts come to fruition, it could leave a lasting impact not only on her political career but also on the city as a whole.
The recall attempt against Thao marks the first time in more than 100 years that such action has been taken against a sitting mayor in Oakland. The last time a recall vote took place was in 1917. It was against Mayor John Davis and did not pass. Former Democratic Mayors Libby Schaaf and Jean Quan also faced recall attempts, but neither made the ballot.