Oakland voters push to recall Mayor Sheng Thao in election

In Alameda County, California, mail-in voting commenced on a Monday, coinciding with a significant recall election in Oakland. The focus of this election is on removing officials from office, particularly Mayor Sheng Thao, who has faced backlash following the firing of the police chief, which many in the Black community believe contributed to a rise in crime. The Oakland branch of the NAACP has officially endorsed the recall effort against Thao, highlighting community dissatisfaction. In response, Thao has rallied her supporters, urging voters to reject the recall and emphasizing that the campaign against her is largely funded by hedge fund operator Philip Dreyfuss. If Thao is recalled, city council President Nikki Fortunato Bas would serve as acting mayor until a special election in April, where Thao would be ineligible to run. Additionally, Alameda County District Attorney Pamela Price is also facing a recall due to her controversial criminal justice reforms, which some constituents view as overly lenient. The situation reflects a broader trend where elected officials are held accountable through recall votes, as seen in other localities like Millbrae, where council members were removed for their decisions regarding homelessness. This election cycle underscores the growing tensions between community expectations and the actions of elected officials in the region.