Voters in the Bay Area Recall Mayor of Major City and County District Attorney

Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao and Alameda County District Attorney Pamela Price were both removed from office.

The vote to recall Mayor Sheng Thao in Oakland and District Attorney Pamela Price in Alameda County was successful, reflecting a push for tougher measures on crime.

Thao was ousted by 65 percent of voters, according to unofficial preliminary results, while Price was removed by county residents in Alameda.

The recalls were driven by concerns over public safety, citing issues like drug addiction, theft, and homelessness.

Critics also pointed to Oakland’s nearly $177 million budget deficit as a reason for the leadership changes.

Rising crime rates, including motor vehicle thefts and shoplifting, contributed to the mounting frustration in the community.

Several businesses, such as Denny’s, In-N-Out, and Starbucks, left the area due to the negative impact of serial offenders on their operations.

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Supporters of Thao raising concerns that her recall could hinder the city’s progress.

The campaign highlighted the importance of stable leadership to build on existing progress in the city.

The city council president will now assume the mayor’s duties until a special election is held within 120 days to choose a new mayor.

Additionally, a regular mayoral election will take place in 2026.

District Attorney Recalled

Price was recalled by about 65 percent of voters, leading to the county board of supervisors appointing an interim district attorney and excluding Price from consideration.

Voters will decide in 2026 whether to retain the appointed district attorney or elect a new one.

Price faced criticism, including from Gov. Gavin Newsom, for allegedly not utilizing available state resources to prosecute crimes.

Price expressed concerns that her recall could disrupt the county’s operations.