Oakland special election pits ‘political outsider’ against longtime Dem power player

Former Oakland City Council member Loren Taylor is making waves in Oakland’s upcoming special election, positioning himself as a political outsider with just enough experience to understand the inner workings of City Hall without being entrenched in the political establishment. Taylor, who unseated a 16-year incumbent during his one term on the council, believes that his fresh perspective is exactly what Oaklanders are looking for in a candidate.

In an exclusive interview with Fox News Digital, Taylor emphasized his commitment to bringing change to the struggling Bay Area city, pointing to his grassroots support as evidence of his appeal to local residents. He highlighted the fact that over 80% of his campaign contributions come directly from Oaklanders, compared to less than 50% for his primary opponent, former Rep. Barbara Lee. Taylor’s campaign has been gaining momentum in the final days leading up to the election, fueled by overwhelming support from the community.

Oakland is facing significant challenges, including a massive $129.8 million budget deficit for Fiscal Year 2024-25 that has forced the closure of some firehouses earlier this year. The city has also been grappling with a homelessness crisis, with a recent report showing a 9% increase in the homeless population since 2022. Taylor pointed to rising crime rates and continued mismanagement as evidence that the status quo is failing Oakland residents.

While the Oakland Police Department reported a decrease in violent crime in 2024, the city has seen a surge in criminal activity at the start of 2025, with multiple homicides occurring within a short period. Taylor has called for equipping police officers with the necessary technology to prevent violence and maintain law and order in the city.

As Taylor campaigns for change in Oakland, he is keeping a close eye on neighboring cities like San Francisco, where Mayor Daniel Lurie has been implementing commonsense policies to address issues such as homelessness and crime. Taylor sees a shared bond with Lurie and other political outsiders who are focused on delivering results and making a positive impact in their communities.

Former Rep. Barbara Lee, Taylor’s opponent in the special election, has strong ties to the political establishment but Taylor believes that his grassroots support and outsider perspective will resonate with Oaklanders who are fed up with the status quo. With the election fast approaching, Taylor is determined to bring about much-needed change in the city and restore trust in local government.