Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao and Alameda County DA Pamela Price Recalled in Historic Vote

In a historic and unprecedented move, Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao and Alameda County District Attorney Pamela Price have been recalled by voters in the recent election. The recall campaigns, which were largely funded by Phillip Dreyfuss, a Piedmont resident, and supported by critics of progressive politics, tapped into voter concerns about crime despite recent reductions in crime rates[4].

The recall of Mayor Thao was approved with 63.85% of voters in favor and 36.15% opposed, according to the Alameda County Registrar of Voters. Thao, who was elected mayor in 2022 in a ranked-choice election, had highlighted her achievements, including a 33% drop in homicides and a 37% overall crime rate reduction from the previous year. However, her efforts were not enough to sway voters who were concerned about crime and fiscal management.

Thao issued a statement acknowledging her defeat and expressing pride in her accomplishments, including resolving hundreds of encampments, developing over 1,500 units of affordable housing, and implementing significant infrastructure improvements. She also emphasized her commitment to ensuring a smooth transition.

The recall of District Attorney Pamela Price was also successful, with 65.22% of voters in favor and 34.78% opposed. Price, the first African American woman to hold the county’s top prosecutor job, faced criticism for her progressive reform platform being too soft on criminals.

Following the recalls, Oakland City Council President Nikki Fortunato Bas is expected to step in as interim mayor until a special election can be held, which must occur within 120 days of Thao’s vacancy being formally declared open. Potential candidates for the mayoral seat include Loren Taylor, who narrowly lost to Thao in the last election[4].

The Oakland Police Officers Union and other law enforcement groups celebrated the recalls, attributing them to a new direction for the city but acknowledging the challenging work ahead.