Meet the candidates running for District 2 in the Oakland special election

That limited duration hasn’t stopped six candidates from seeking the seat, which represents neighborhoods south and east of Lake Merritt, including Chinatown, part of the Jack London District, Lakeshore, Crocker Highlands, Eastlake, Little Saigon and San Antonio. (Look up your district.)

In interviews with The Oaklandside, the D2 candidates shared their visions and spoke about the personal experiences that led them to run. Most said public safety was a top priority but had somewhat different plans to improve it. Others described how their approach to the position will draw inspiration from their time running a business, leading a congregation or organizing in the community.

Below, meet Kenneth Anderson, Harold Lowe, Kanitha Matoury, Kara Murray-Badal and Charlene Wang. A sixth candidate, Paula Thomas, does not have contact information readily available online and we were unable to reach her through social media.

The D2 race is one of three items on the April 15 special election ballot. Voters will also have a say in who becomes Oakland’s next mayor and whether to increase the sales tax.



https://oaklandside.org/2025/03/06/oakland-d2-election-anderson-lowe-matoury-murray-wang/