Renia Webb, a former staffer for ousted Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao, has filed papers with the city about her intention to run in the election to replace her.
Webb filed the paperwork in November and Monday released a statement announcing her candidacy.
“My Oakland roots run deep, with family ties in this area for more than 100 years. I love my hometown and am driven to serve our community,” Webb said. “I’ve raised four amazing children here and their safety, well-being, and overall quality of life fuels me everyday. Like my children’s potential, the potential of Oakland is limitless. And I look forward to making our city a top destination for families, businesses, tourists, and more.”
Webb served as Thao’s chief of staff while Thao was a member of the City Council and currently works as an educator at Crocker Highlands Elementary School, according to her LinkedIn profile.
A gun safety advocate, Webb works with the group Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America at the state level to push for gun safety legislation.
She says her priorities include public health, safety, affordable housing, education, economic revitalization and fiscal responsibility.
The election to replace Thao is expected to be held on April 15.
She was on the losing end of a Nov. 5 recall election, with 60.62 percent of voters marking ballots in favor of her removal.
In addition to Webb, six other people have thrown their hat into the mayoral election ring so far, according to the city’s election website, including former Oakland city councilmember Loren Taylor, Tyron Jordan, Mindy Pechenuk, Fabian Robinson, Elizabeth Swaney and Larry Lionel Young Jr.
