Barbara Lee Raises $31,000 for Potential Oakland Mayoral Run

The incumbent mayor has yet to confirm her plans, but her fundraising suggests she's gearing up for another campaign.

Published on Feb. 4, 2026

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Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee raised $31,863 in the second half of 2025, according to a financial disclosure filed with the city. This is a small amount compared to the $580,000 she raised for her special election victory last year, but it's far more than any of the potential challengers have raised so far. Lee has not officially confirmed whether she will run for a full term as mayor in the November 2026 election, but her fundraising activity suggests she is preparing to do so.

Why it matters

Lee's fundraising activity indicates she is likely to run for a full term as Oakland mayor, despite not having officially announced her plans. This will be a closely watched race, as Lee won the special election last year in a landslide. The mayor's race, as well as several city council and school board seats, will be key battlegrounds in Oakland's political landscape.

The details

Lee's disclosure shows she spent just under $6,000 in the second half of 2025, mostly on routine office and professional services. The only other person officially in the mayor's race, Mindy Pechenuk, raised $7,765 last year and spent $5,364. Lee also raised $100,000 for her officeholder account last year, the maximum allowed under city rules. She spent $66,220 of these funds, including donations to local charities and organizations.

  • Lee raised $31,863 in the second half of 2025.
  • Lee raised $580,000 for her special election victory in 2025.

The players

Barbara Lee

The incumbent mayor of Oakland who won a special election in 2025 and is now preparing to run for a full term.

Mindy Pechenuk

A Republican follower of Donald Trump who is the only other person officially in the Oakland mayor's race so far.

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What’s next

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The takeaway

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