Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao is facing a landmark recall election after a group called Oakland United to Recall Sheng Thao (OUST) gathered enough signatures to force the issue onto the ballot in November. The group, led by retired Judge Brenda Harbin-Forte, is accusing Thao of contributing to rising crime rates, including incidents of grand theft auto and street robberies. Harbin-Forte claimed that businesses were not leaving Oakland in such numbers before Thao took office and criticized the dismantling of the Oakland Police Department under her leadership.
The recall petition garnered 40,595 valid signatures, well above the required threshold of 25,000. Supporters of the recall cited issues such as homeless encampments, car break-ins, and a general decline in the city’s safety. They also criticized Thao for missing a deadline for a grant to combat retail theft, as well as the firing of Police Chief LeRonne Armstrong. Additionally, Thao faced backlash for her comment that the Oakland Athletics baseball team “won’t be missed” after they decided to relocate to Las Vegas.
While some city officials, like Council member Noel Gallo, expressed concerns about the potential divisiveness of the recall, they acknowledged the voters’ right to voice their concerns. The recall election is seen as a historic achievement by its organizers, who believe it will provide voters with a sense of urgency and purpose in removing what they see as a dishonest and incompetent mayor.
As the recall election approaches, tensions in Oakland are running high, with residents divided over whether Thao should continue to lead the city. The outcome of the election could have significant implications for Oakland’s future and its ongoing efforts to address crime and safety concerns. It remains to be seen how Thao and her supporters will respond to the growing calls for her ouster and whether she can overcome the recall effort to remain in office.