Lee, who has not pulled papers for the top city office, did not immediately confirm she’s running and close representatives said only that the former congresswoman would make an announcement

Former East Bay Congresswoman Barbara Lee has filed paperwork to run for Oakland mayor. A 2025 campaign finance filing for Lee was posted on the California Secretary of State website. When contacted Monday,

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.

Barbara Lee, who represented the East Bay in the House for more than two decades, opened a campaign account Monday to run for mayor of Oakland in April’s special election. “The congresswoman will be making an announcement about her decision later this week,