The recall effort against Mayor Sheng Thao not only threatens Oakland’s progress but risks plunging the city into political chaos at a critical time. Under Mayor Thao’s leadership, Oakland is finally turning the corner on pressing issues such as crime, homelessness, and economic recovery. However, this recall threatens to undo the strides we’ve made, jeopardizing the city’s future at a time when stable, consistent leadership is more important than ever.

If Mayor Thao is recalled, Oakland could see up to three or four different mayors leading the city before stable leadership is restored. This revolving door of leadership would disrupt ongoing efforts to tackle Oakland’s most urgent challenges. Additionally, the city is grappling with a decade-old structural deficit that threatens to cut vital public safety resources. Inconsistent leadership could leave critical services underfunded and undermine progress in keeping our communities safe.

The financial cost of the recall is staggering. At an estimated $10 million, this recall would not only drain resources that could be better spent on addressing crime, homelessness, and economic recovery but also impose an immense burden on Oakland taxpayers. These funds would cover the costs of running a special election and transitioning Mayor Thao's administration to a new leader—an expense the city can ill afford during this critical recovery period.

Oakland needs steady, experienced leadership to navigate these challenges, and this recall threatens to derail that stability. Instead of pushing the city toward progress, it would create political chaos, disrupt ongoing efforts, and waste millions of taxpayer dollars. Oaklanders deserve consistent leadership that can build on the work already in motion, not political turmoil that sets the city back.