Former California Rep. Barbara Lee files campaign papers for Oakland mayoral race

Former U.S. Rep. Barbara Lee filed paperwork with the city of Oakland on Monday, a sign she may be planning a run for mayor.

Lee filed a “Statement of Organization: Recipient Committee” Form 410 with the city’s Elections Department under the name “Barbara Lee for Oakland Mayor 2025” and named herself treasurer.

It’s one of the first steps candidates must take before they begin raising money for their campaigns. Lee also filed a candidate letter of intent.

Lee represented California’s 12th congressional district from when she was first elected in 1998 until last year. She campaign to occupy the US Senate seat which was held by Dianne Feinstein from 1992 until her death in 2023.

Lee did not advance to the general election in California’s March primary and had already announced that she was not running for re-election, opening the door for the two new candidates. BART board member Lateefah Simon was elected to take over Lee’s former seat in November.

Representatives for Lee were not immediately available for comment Monday.

When Lee was asked back in November about the possibility of running for office, she would neither confirm nor deny that she was considering the position.

“We’ll have time later for other talks,” Lee said. “We’ll have time to talk about it later.”

So far, in addition to Lee, 13 people have filed papers signaling a potential run for Oakland mayor, according to a list posted on the city’s website last Friday. The nomination period ends on 17 January.

The new mayor will be chosen in the special election on April 15 to replace ousted Mayor Sheng Thaowho lost a recall election in November.