Mayor · General election
Mayor of Oakland
Tuesday, November 3, 2026
On the ballot
4 certified candidates, listed alphabetically by last name.
Brenda F. Grisham
Business Owner
An East Oakland business owner and longtime victims' rights advocate who was an officer of the group that organized the successful recall campaign against former Alameda County District Attorney Pamela Price. Her advocacy work has focused on human-trafficking prevention and support for crime victims.
Full profile →Barbara Lee
Mayor, City of Oakland
A former U.S. Representative who spent more than 25 years representing the East Bay in Congress, chairing the Congressional Black Caucus and co-chairing the Congressional Progressive Caucus.
Full profile →
Where they stand
Topic by topic, from each candidate’s own statements and public records.
Economy & Jobs
- Supports economic development that backs local businesses.
“Economic growth that supports local businesses”
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- Cut permit-processing times, including zoning clearances (22 to 9 days) and ADU approvals (to 14 days).
“Expand same-day approvals ; fast-track retail buildouts to attract and retain businesses.”
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- Wants to grow the economy with new manufacturing, port activity and tax incentives for small and medium businesses.
“The only way to solve our economic problems is with Growth; that is the American Way.”
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No published position on this topic.
Housing & Homelessness
- Supports housing stability for residents.
“Housing stability for Oakland families”
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- Established an Office of Homelessness Solutions with a five-year goal to cut unsheltered homelessness in half, and cites 1,600 affordable units in construction or breaking ground in 2026.
“Established the Office of Homelessness Solutions with a 5-year goal to cut unsheltered homelessness in half.”
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- Argues Oakland's homelessness problem needs different solutions rather than more spending.
“it is not about more money”
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No published position on this topic.
Public Safety & Policing
- Prioritizes public safety and neighborhood security.
“Safer neighborhoods and stronger public safety”
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- Cites homicides at a 58-year low in 2025 and a 22% drop in violent crime credited to Operation Ceasefire, and pledges to continue a community-focused approach to public safety.
“Continue to advance a comprehensive, community-focused approach to public safety.”
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- Wants to grow the police force to 1,000 officers and repeal the Police Commission and other police limits.
“Grow OPD from 714 to 1,000 by 2027”
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No published position on this topic.
Immigration & Border
No published position on this topic.
- Prohibited use of City property as a staging or operations base for federal immigration enforcement (unless required by law) and barred city participation in immigration enforcement activities.
“Protect Oaklanders from illegal persecution and infringements on civil rights.”
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- Would repeal Oakland's 'sanctuary limits on felony arrests' and require citizenship for city job and housing help.
“One requirement is you must be an American citizen.”
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No published position on this topic.
Environment, Energy & Climate
No published position on this topic.
- Cites clearing brush from high-risk hill acreage and keeping all fire stations open, and plans to escalate cross-department wildfire operations.
“Escalate cross-department wildfire operations and maintain open, operational fire stations”
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No published position on this topic.
No published position on this topic.
Infrastructure & Transportation
- Lists cleaner streets and stronger city services among her campaign priorities.
“Cleaner streets and stronger city services”
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No published position on this topic.
No published position on this topic.
No published position on this topic.
Government, Elections & Democracy
- Supports government accountability and transparency.
“Accountability and transparency in city government”
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- Established a Charter Reform Working Group that gathered input from over 1,150 residents on transparency and efficiency.
“Finalize/present a Charter Reform vision for voters to consider and act on.”
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- Opposes the Oakland "Strong Mayor" charter reform and testified against it at City Council.
“Mindy Pechenuk speaks out against Queen Barbara Lees "Strong Mayor" Charter Reform”
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No published position on this topic.
Technology & Privacy
No published position on this topic.
- Launched a citywide Data Governance and Security Program and initiated a study of a citywide AI policy.
“Launched citywide Data Governance and Security Program, establishing clear rules for how City data is collected, stored, and protected.”
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- Opposes a proposed pause on data center approvals and supports AI-related development in Oakland.
“Physical AI and data centers have created breakthroughs in production, medicine, and mining, to name a few.”
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No published position on this topic.
Candidates are those certified for the official ballot, listed alphabetically by last name. Photos appear only when we have an official, reusable photo of every candidate in the race. Positions are compiled from the candidates’ own statements and public records. We never tell you how to vote.