Sigma Gamma Rho’s Barbara Lee Elected Mayor of Oakland, California

Former U.S. Representative Barbara Lee declared victory on Saturday in the race for mayor of Oakland, California, marking a significant return to public office for the longtime lawmaker and member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.

Lee, 78, issued a statement announcing her win after her chief opponent, Loren Taylor, conceded the April 15 election.

“While I believe strongly in respecting the democratic voting process and ballots will continue to be counted … the results are clear that the people of Oakland have elected me as your next Mayor,” she said. “Thank you, Oakland!”

A trailblazer throughout her career, Lee brings decades of public service experience to the mayor’s office. Born and raised in Texas, she was educated at Mills College and the University of California, Berkeley. She began her political journey working on the 1972 presidential campaign of Shirley Chisholm—the first Black woman to seek a major party’s nomination—and was later engaged with the Black Panther Party in community-based advocacy.

Lee worked as chief of staff to U.S. Representative Ron Dellums before serving in the California State Assembly from 1990 to 1996 and the California State Senate from 1996 to 1998. She was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in a 1998 special election, succeeding Dellums. Her district, centered in Oakland, was one of the most Democratic-leaning in the country, with a Cook Partisan Voting Index rating of D+40.

During her tenure in Congress, Lee earned national attention for her bold positions on social justice, health equity, and foreign policy. She was the sole vote against the authorization for military force following the September 11 attacks—an act that underscored her commitment to principled decision-making.

Her return to local leadership comes at a pivotal moment for Oakland.

“Oakland is a deeply divided City,” Lee noted in her victory message. “I answered the call to run so that together, we can build bridges, address our challenges, and uplift our communities.”

In celebration of the win, Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., of which Lee is a member, released a statement via social media honoring her historic accomplishment.

“Congratulations to Soror Barbara Lee, the newly elected 52nd Mayor of Oakland, CA! A true trailblazer, advocate, and champion for justice, Soror Lee’s historic leadership continues to inspire communities across the nation. From the halls of Congress to City Hall, she leads with purpose, passion, and a commitment to the people. We are beyond proud to celebrate this moment with our Soror—representing Greater Service, Greater Progress every step of the way! 📍Oakland, your future is in Rhoyal hands.”

She will be sworn in as the 52nd mayor of Oakland later this year.