Capping a powerful stretch drive to the finish, Libby Schaaf won a commanding victory over longtime frontrunner Rebecca Kaplan to become Oakland’s next mayor. With ranked choice votes counted, Schaaf won a 63%-37% victory over Kaplan, with incumbent Jean Quan finishing third.
Schaaf’s victory represents a remarkable transformation of a moderate City Council member originally deemed too conservative to win into a candidate who won key progressive support. Schaaf also ran a highly substantive campaign, constantly promoting policy papers and policies over sound bites.
Voters responded.
I wish I could explain Rebecca Kaplan’s campaign strategy but I cannot. She was so far ahead in polls even a month prior to the election that she failed to aggressively sell herself as Oakland’s next mayor. Meanwhile, Schaaf had to assert herself as she was behind, usually trailing both Kaplan and incumbent Mayor Jean Quan.
A Competent Mayor
Schaaf’s top selling points to voters were substance and competence. She will bring Oakland the skilled and stable leadership that voters liked with Jerry Brown.
I was in Rockridge during the Sunday before Halloween and kids were out trick or treating at local businesses. It was a great scene, and explains why Oakland has become the go to city that combines being both family friendly and a hipster haven.
Oakland deserves a mayor who can make residents proud. I think Libby Schaaf will fulfill that role.
