The longtime lawmaker has held numerous private meetings with city officials about the issues affecting Oakland, from the ongoing budget crisis to homelessness to policing.

Oakland has been in political chaos since November's recall of former Mayor Sheng Thao, who was only on the job for two years. The FBI raided her home in June.

As the political landscape in Oakland shifts, California Rep. Barbara Lee has announced her consideration for a run for mayor.

Rumors have been swirling that the retiring congresswoman might seek Oakland’s top job in the April special election.

Oakland Democratic Rep. Barbara Lee, who is ending her congressional career next month, said Friday that she will decide by early January whether she will run for mayor of Oakland. Oakland will hold an election in April to elect someone to finish the rest of the term of Sheng Thao,

Retiring U.S. Representative Barbara Lee is contemplating a run for Oakland mayor following the recent recall of Mayor Sheng Thao. Lee, who has represented Oakland in Congress since 1998, announced she will decide by early January 2025.

Dozens of Oakland leaders are calling on Congresswoman Barbara Lee to take the helm as the city's mayor. In a letter signed by Interim Oakland Mayor Nikki Fortunato Bas, Carl Chan, and Councilmember Treva Reid,