Oakland councilmember and council president pro tem Sheng Thao held a press conference this week to announce she is running for mayor in the November 2022 election

“My values, commitment to service, and drive to make a difference are rooted in where I come from,” said Thao, the daughter of Hmong refugee, quoted on KRON. “As a Councilmember, I’m inspired every day about the chance to make change for those who need it most. And I’ve shown it’s possible to be both progressive and effective at City Hall.”

Among those who endorsed Thao at the Wednesday press conference were California Attorney General Rob Bonta, Assemblymember Mia Bonta, former Councilmember Dick Spees, and the Alameda Labor Council.

Thao represents District 4 on the City Council. She is the first Hmong American woman to be elected to a city council in California history.

Thao explained that she grew up in Stockton, the seventh of 10 children.

“For a time, we lived in public housing. I grew up with real fear of not having a stable home,” said Thao, speaking to KTVU.

“I know what it means to live paycheck to paycheck, to not have a job, to escape a really bad domestic violence relationship, and being homeless with my baby living in our car, couch surfing,” she said Thao, who considers herself a progressive.

She said that being a single mom has helped develop her as the person she has become.

She attended Merritt College and graduated from UC Berkeley.

She started in the city as an intern to chief of staff for city councilmember Rebecca Kaplan, who also supports her campaign.

“I managed multiple city budgets, fought for affordable housing, helped small businesses open and helped get guns off the street,” said Thao.

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