The race for Oakland mayor has come to a close.
Former U.S. Rep. Barbara Lee has defeated former Oakland city council member Loren Taylor by a thin margin in Tuesday’s special election. Lee is slated to serve in the role until the next election in 2026.
The coveted seat was temporarily filled in November after former Oakland mayor Sheng Thao, who faces federal corruption and bribery charges , was removed from office , leaving a sense of unrest in the East Bay city already facing public safety and financial concerns. Oakland City Council President Nikki Fortunato Bas filled Thao’s spot for a mere few weeks before resigning from the post after winning a seat on the Alameda County Board of Supervisors. City Councilmember Kevin Jenkins was soon appointed as interim mayor …