**Oakland Mayor and Alameda County DA Ousted in Recall Elections Amid Crime Concerns**

OAKLAND, California – In a stunning development, Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao and Alameda County District Attorney Pamela Price are stepping down after being ousted in recall elections. Voters, expressing deep discontent over local crime issues, delivered decisive verdicts against both officials. Thao conceded the race while votes were still being tallied, showing her losing the recall by roughly 64 percent to 36 percent. In a parallel outcome, Price's recall saw her losing by about 65 percent to 35 percent.

In a statement, Thao expressed pride in the progress achieved during her tenure and pledged to support a smooth transition. She has faced significant criticism regarding Oakland's public safety and financial woes, as well as negative headlines, including an FBI raid on her home in June. Price, who entered office two years ago on a progressive platform, faced a stark reversal in voter sentiment that now favors tougher-on-crime policies.

These recall elections highlight the significant impact crime rates have had on California's ballot this year. A measure to increase penalties for certain offenses, Proposition 36, was passed by voters, reclassifying some misdemeanor drug and theft crimes as felonies. This shift mirrors the voter frustration that also led to the reelection defeats of San Francisco Mayor London Breed and Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón.

Brenda Grisham, a leader in the campaign to recall Price, emphasized that the votes send a clear message from residents demanding safety and feeling valued. Huy Nguyen, president of the Oakland police union, noted that voters recognized the adverse effects of the "progressive leftist policies" on communities.

Key Democratic figures, including Governor Gavin Newsom, distanced themselves from Thao and Price ahead of the election. Newsom announced an extension of an "enforcement surge" of California Highway Patrol officers to Oakland, citing concerns over leadership transitions. Additionally, attorneys from the California National Guard will continue to assist in prosecuting certain drug crimes in Alameda County.

Despite efforts to counter the recall by highlighting falling crime rates and other achievements, both Thao and Price ultimately could not sway voter opinion. Thao pointed to her work on clearing encampments, improving technology infrastructure, and paving record miles in Oakland, while Price reiterated her commitment to racial, gender, and youth justice.

The recalls create a power vacuum that must be addressed promptly. Oakland is required to hold a special election to replace Thao within 120 days, while the Alameda Board of Supervisors will appoint a temporary replacement for Price until the 2026 vote. Thao indicated she would likely vacate her office in December after the city council certifies the recall results.