Oakland voters choose mayor as charter measure could reshape office

Lee, elected mayor in 2024 after voters recalled Sheng Thao, is seeking a full term against Brenda Grisham, Mindy Pechenuk and Julius Robinson. The election uses ranked-choice voting: if no candidate receives a majority of first-choice votes, the lowest-ranked candidate is eliminated and those ballots are counted for voters’ next choices. The process continues until someone has a majority.

Oakland election tests Lee’s record and the reach of mayoral power

Oakland voters are choosing between a full term for Mayor Barbara Lee and three challengers, with Measure EE adding a consequential question about how city government should work. If approved, the charter change would give the mayor more direct authority over departments and the ability to veto City Council legislation—a significant shift in power in a city already debating how to address public safety and other needs.

Lee points to falling crime, police recruitment and maintained funding for violence prevention. She has also cited progress on homelessness while acknowledging the need for more housing and solutions to encampments that do not simply displace people. Her record includes meeting nearly all goals in her initial 10-point plan and securing philanthropic money for city services, but voters rejected a parcel tax she backed for public safety and other programs.

The challengers also call for more policing, but they offer different approaches. Grisham wants closer scrutiny of nonprofit community organizations and changes to public-safety strategies. Pechenuk opposes Measure EE and calls for eliminating police oversight bodies, while promoting industrial development and a coal export terminal. Robinson emphasizes private investment and business support.

The choice is not only about who leads Oakland: Measure EE could determine how much authority the next mayor has. Ranked-choice counting will continue through successive eliminations if no candidate wins a majority of first-choice votes.

Oakland voters weigh Lee’s record against challengers’ calls for change

Oakland voters are deciding whether Barbara Lee deserves a full term or whether one of three challengers should take over. Lee highlights continued crime declines, police recruitment and her administration’s work to bring in philanthropic funding. But the contest also gives voters a choice among candidates who say City Hall needs a sharper focus on public safety, business growth and accountability.

Brenda Grisham, a victims’ rights advocate who helped lead the successful recall of District Attorney Pamela Price, favors adjusting public-safety strategies and scrutinizing nonprofit organizations. Mindy Pechenuk, a Trump supporter, calls for stepped-up law enforcement and efforts to tackle outdoor drug-selling areas. She also backs business incentives, faster permits and a West Oakland coal export terminal, and opposes Measure EE. Julius Robinson, a former banker, says Oakland should attract private investment and expand support for local businesses.

Lee’s first term brought progress she can point to, including falling crime and the end of federal oversight of the Oakland Police Department. Yet she failed to win voter approval for a parcel tax intended to fund public safety and other programs, and her city administrator left after a texting scandal.

Measure EE could give the mayor more direct control over departments and veto power over council legislation. Voters will use ranked-choice ballots; if no one has a first-choice majority, the lowest candidate is eliminated and ballots move to voters’ next choices until a candidate wins a majority.