Oakland Elects Mayor, City Council, Votes on Measure A

Polls closed in Oakland's special election to determine the next mayor, with former U.S. Representative Barbara Lee and former City Council member Loren Taylor as the front-runners. This election follows the recall of former Mayor Sheng Thao and comes amid a divided electorate, with some voters expressing uncertainty about their choices. In addition to the mayoral race, voters are also deciding on Measure A, which proposes a half-cent sales tax increase aimed at addressing the city's budget deficit, and electing a new city council member for District 2. The election employs a ranked-choice voting system, allowing voters to rank their preferences among the candidates. Initial results are expected to be released on election night, with further updates to follow as the counting process continues. Oakland has seen interim leadership since Thao's recall, with Kevin Jenkins currently serving as interim mayor.