Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao made her first public remarks after federal agents raided her home, stating that she has done nothing wrong and is confident she will not be charged with a crime as she is innocent. Thao expressed concern over the timing of the raid, which came days after backers of a mayoral recall were informed that they had collected enough signatures to qualify for the ballot. She criticized the recall campaign as a waste of time and resources, attributing it to the influence of wealthy individuals from San Francisco and Piedmont who are intent on removing her from office.
Supporters of the recall campaign argue that public safety and economic vitality have declined under Mayor Thao’s leadership, citing her decision to fire Police Chief LeRonne Armstrong as a key issue. During the raid, Thao and her son were present at home, with her top priority being their safety. Federal agents also searched homes owned by members of the Duong family, who are connected to the recycling company Cal Waste Solutions that has been investigated for campaign contributions to Thao and other elected officials. Thao’s attorney, Tony Brass, confirmed that the mayor was not the target of the investigation and emphasized her willingness to fully cooperate with federal authorities.
Despite maintaining her innocence, Mayor Thao faced backlash from a Democrat challenger who criticized her handling of the situation and accused her of jeopardizing party unity. Thao, who took office in 2023 and is of Hmong descent, shared her personal story of growing up poor and achieving the milestone of becoming the mayor of Oakland. Her attorney resigned following a press conference that Thao held without informing him, raising further questions surrounding the ongoing investigation. Thao remains firm in her belief that the raid and subsequent investigation are not about her but rather a targeted effort by wealthy individuals to remove her from office.
The investigation into Mayor Sheng Thao has raised concerns and suspicions within the Oakland community, with some questioning the motives behind the raid and the timing of the operations. Thao’s defiance in the face of adversity and her repeated claims of innocence have only fueled the controversy surrounding her tenure as mayor. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains unclear what the outcome will be for Thao and whether she will be able to weather the storm of allegations and scrutiny from both her political opponents and the federal authorities.
As the recall election looms on the horizon and the investigation into Mayor Thao’s actions intensifies, the future of Oakland’s leadership hangs in the balance. Thao’s determination to prove her innocence and fight against what she perceives as an orchestrated effort to remove her from office will likely shape the narrative in the coming months. Whether she will be able to regain the trust and support of her constituents, or if she will ultimately be forced to step down, remains to be seen. The shadow of uncertainty that looms over Oakland’s political landscape serves as a reminder of the complexities and challenges that come with holding public office in a diverse and politically charged city like Oakland.
