(KRON) — Former Rep. Barbara Lee is formally working for Oakland mayor. On Wednesday, Lee introduced she had entered the race in a publish on X and rolled out a marketing campaign web site.
“Oaklanders have always overcome challenges by coming together,” Lee mentioned in her X publish. “At this critical moment, we must not be a city divided, but a community united.”
“With the support of Oakland Firefighters, businesses and labor leaders, and community I’ve made the decision to run for Mayor of Oakland — to unite our City; make it stronger and safe; and improve opportunity for everyone,” she continued.
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Lee enters the race for mayor following the November recall of former Mayor Sheng Thao. Thao was recalled after lower than two years in workplace amid a major finances shortfall that has seen town making cuts to companies.
Thao can be related to an FBI investigation. Though the previous mayor has insisted she just isn’t the goal of the investigation, FBI brokers raided the house she shared along with her companion final yr.
Former Rep. Lee represented Oakland in Congress since 1998. In 2001, she was notably the only member of Congress to vote towards army motion within the instant aftermath of the 9/11 assaults.
She selected to not search reelection final yr, as a substitute launching a failed bid for the U.S. Senate seat lengthy held by the late Sen. Dianne Feinstein. Earlier this week, KRON4.com reported that Lee had filed marketing campaign finance paperwork upfront of launching a proper bid for mayor.
“As Mayor I’ll address our homelessness crisis, prioritize comprehensive public safety and mental health services, and lead with fiscal responsibility to deliver the core City services residents and business owners deserve,” mentioned Lee in an official announcement issued Wednesday.