An election to recall Mayor Sheng Thao is scheduled to take place on Nov. 5, 2024, in Oakland, California.

Governing’s Joshua Spivak wrote this election, along with the recall of Alameda County District Attorney Pamela Price also on Nov. 5, “were in part launched due to pushback against approaches to crime and the criminal justice system, with organizers arguing both Thao and Price have failed to stem the tide.”

Gail Harbin, a representative of the group Oakland United to Recall Sheng Thao has criticized Thao over her handling of crime. saying: “Under Mayor Thao’s watch, crime has surged, and her incompetence has only deepened the chaos.” Former Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf (D) mentioned crime and the economy as a reason why she supports the recall and said in an interview that “Oakland can’t afford another two years of continued damage to our fiscal solvency and our public safety.” Critics also cite a June 20 home raid by the FBI as a reason for the recall. The San Francisco Chronicle wrote in an editorial supporting the recall, “While Thao hasn’t been charged with any crime relating to the FBI raid and has vehemently denied wrongdoing, compounded distrust among Oakland residents could hamper her ability to govern effectively.”

Thao called the recalls against her and Alameda County District Attorney Pamela Price “a waste of money.” Thao also called the process undemocratic: “The undemocratic part about it is that democratically, [public officials] were elected at large, and they were voted in. It’s unfair for someone with more money than others to come in and say, “You know what? I want to change the trajectory.” Former Oakland Mayor Jean Quan said at a rally, “Whether you love Sheng or not, we have to give her a chance to do some good work.” In a news conference, Thao highlighted her record handling crime and said “by reinstating proven programs like Ceasefire, strengthening partnerships with law enforcement agencies…and investing in modern public safety technology, we’re seeing meaningful results for Oakland residents.”

In the event of a successful local-level recall in California, the office becomes vacant and is filled according to the law. Article III, Section 303 of the Oakland City Charter states that the vice-mayor assumes the office of mayor until a special election is held to fill the vacancy.