Loren Taylor to Run for Oakland Mayoral Seat

Loren Taylor ran against Sheng Thao for Oakland mayor two years ago — and will run again for the mayoral seat now that Thao has been fired in a recall by voters.

The former Oakland Councilman has announced he will throw his hat in the ring for the position and is prepared to address the city’s most pressing issues, the San Francisco Chronicle reported.

Taylor’s candidacy would continue a moderate push favored by the real estate industry in California in this month’s elections in Los Angeles, San Francisco and Oakland, as well as several statewide ballot measures.

“I care deeply about this city, I care deeply about its residents,” Taylor told the Chronicle. “I don’t have confidence that others who have been in power or in leadership or those who are currently being discussed for leadership are able to deliver as effectively and successfully for Oaklanders.”

Also running are Isaac Kos-Read, who leads a public affairs firm, who told the Chronicle he plans to run for mayor because he wants to unite the city.

Potential candidates include Allyssa Victory, who ran for the office in 2022 and said she’s also considering a run, but hasn’t made a decision.

Former NFL running back Marshawn Lynch has hinted at a potential run for mayor, according to Politico, but the Chronicle wasn’t able to confirm it.

Oakland will hold a special election in the spring to replace Thao for the remainder of her term.

The mayor was recalled by voters this month along with progressive Oakland District Attorney Pamela Price, who were both blamed for a spike in crime and homelessness and a drop in public safety in a city struggling to bounce back from the pandemic.

The FBI’s raid of Thao’s home in June, two days after the recall petition was certified, deepened Oaklanders’ distrust in her leadership, according to the Chronicle. She has not been accused of any crimes and has said she’s not the target of the investigation.

A shift to hybrid work and a slow return to offices in Oakland boosted office vacancy last month to 24.1 percent, according to Colliers. Other estimates peg the overall vacancy at 30 percent.

Observers point to crime and public safety as a top contributor to the “negative narrative” surrounding Oakland. Commercial real estate interests sank millions into recalling Price.

Among the names being bandied about to replace Thao is Rep. Barbara Lee, D-Oakland. The 78-year-old congresswoman has not publicly said she intends to run for the position.

Another name being floated is former Councilman Dan Kalb, who gave up his seat to run for state Senate. Kalb, who didn’t win the Senate election, said he plans to get a state job working in environmental policy.

— Dana Bartholomew