Election 2026

Four faces are superimposed in individual circles over a tall white skyscraper

Mayoral candidates discuss public safety and city finances at forum

The four candidates for Oakland mayor talked about the city budget, economic revitalization and other issues at a voter forum Saturday at City Hall, but the discussion kept returning to public safety.  Around 40 people attended the forum, which was organized with the League of Women Voters of Oakland. First-term Mayor Barbara Lee will face challengers Brenda Grisham, a business owner and longtime community advocate; Mindy Pechenuk, an educator and researcher; and Julius Robinson, a community investment executive, in the…

By on October 5, 2026
Side by side photos of two men, both wearing navy blue suit jackets with American flags on the left lapels, over white shirts. The man on the left has short gray hair and is clean-shaven and wearing a blue tie. The man on the right is bald with a trim gray beard and mustache and has his top two shirt buttons undone.

Why aren’t Oaklanders more excited about the governor’s race?

Oaklanders aren’t pinning much hope on California’s next governor to improve living and working conditions in the city, with many saying they feel somewhat detached from the upcoming gubernatorial election.  Oakland North spoke recently to dozens of residents across the city, many of whom said they were not excited to vote in the race between Democrat Xavier Becerra and Republican Steve Hilton, including some who had no idea who was running in the Nov. 3 election to succeed Gavin Newsom. …

By on September 8, 2026