PRESS RELEASE: Oakland Rising Action Announces Endorsements for the Oakland 2025 Special Election
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, February 21, 2025
Media Contact: Pecolia Manigo, Executive Director, Oakland Rising Action | Info@OaklandRisingAction.org
Oakland Rising Action (ORA), a community-led political organization focused on supporting candidates and issues that drive a progressive agenda for working-class residents, immigrants and communities of color living in the flatlands of Oakland and Alameda County, announced its early endorsements for progressive candidates for the 2025 special election. The endorsements are available online and will be physically mailed to approximately 80,000 voters starting mid-March 2025.
Our early endorsements feature candidates who align with our values and are committed to shaping a brighter future for Oakland and Alameda County. This election is a critical opportunity to elect progressive leaders who will prioritize affordable housing, public safety, and community reinvestment—issues that matter deeply to all Oaklanders.
“This is our chance to elect leaders who will fight for BIPOC, working-class, immigrant, and formerly incarcerated communities in Oakland’s flatlands,” said Pecolia Manigo. “Our endorsed candidates have proven track records of collaboration with the community and a vision for reimagining local government to improve conditions for all residents.”
Barbara Lee is a trailblazing American politician and social worker who has represented California’s 12th congressional district (Oakland and Alameda County) since 1998. A leading progressive voice in Congress, Lee has dedicated her career to advancing racial and economic justice, peace, women’s rights, and LGBTQ+ rights. From her early work with the Black Panther Party to her leadership in the California State Assembly and Senate, Lee has consistently championed healthcare, education, and affordable housing. With over 26 years of service, her unwavering commitment to justice and equality makes her the ideal candidate to lead Oakland as its next mayor.
Kara Murray-Badal, an Oakland native and Director of the Housing Venture Lab at Terner Labs, is a passionate advocate for equitable housing and community development. With a career spanning the private and non-profit sectors, Kara has focused on innovations that promote equity, affordability, and sustainability. Her experience includes roles as Crisis Project Manager at Bayer Healthcare and Deputy Director at The Mosaic Project, a non-profit fostering cross-cultural communication. Kara holds an MPA from Harvard Kennedy School, an MBA from Wharton, and a BA in Psychology from Stanford. As a candidate for Oakland City Council District 2, Kara brings a strong commitment to safe, affordable housing, vibrant communities, and opportunities for all.
The 2025 Special Election is a pivotal moment for Oakland. We have the opportunity to elect leaders who will prioritize affordable housing and equitable development, invest in public safety solutions that center community needs, and champion economic justice and livable wages for working families.
The election will take place on April 15, 2025.
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Oakland Rising Action (ORA)’s endorsement process includes a written questionnaire and individual interviews. ORA endorses those candidates who most align with their values, vision, and emerging progressive strategy for Oakland. To ensure that alignment, the organization’s endorsement process engages a committee of activists, organizers and leaders of Oakland’s progressive left at all stages.
ORA engages in voter education and GOTV operations that encourage working-class residents, immigrants, and communities of color to think critically about voting for or against issues, policies and candidates based on the shared dreams of health, happiness, safety, and opportunity for all. Leading up to the election, ORA’s paid team of outreach workers along with volunteers will hold conversations with over thousands of immigrant, working-class, and BIPOC voters in Oakland and Alameda County’s flatlands. ORA also shares their endorsements with the community through a bilingual printed and online voter guide. Its mailed voter guide reaches low-propensity, BIPOC voter households.
For more information about these races and ORA-endorsed candidates, please visit www.oaklandrisingaction.org/VG25
