Sheng Thao demonstrated strong determination to become the
first Hmong female mayor of Oakland after overcoming homelessness. Her path
beyond homelessness extended into both personal success and breakpoint
achievements of historical significance.
Early Life and Background
Born on July 18, 1985 in Stockton California Sheng Thao
belongs to a Hmong family consisting of ten siblings that arrived as refugees
from Laos while the country was in the middle of its genocide. Among his ten
siblings and living in poverty Thao grew up in seventh position in the
household. Living in public housing together with the use of social services
became fundamental experiences which directed her future dedication to serving
the public.
When she turned 17 Thao left her family to become a
Walgreens store staff member at Richmond. She entered an abusive relationship
during her early twenty years. she found the strength to leave her abusive
relationship during pregnancy because it led her to becoming homeless. During
this time she and her newborn child spent months in a vehicle as well as stayed
temporarily with friends because they lacked permanent housing.
Education and Academic Pursuits
Thao dedicated herself to obtaining better prospects by
studying at Merritt College in Oakland where she received her associate degree
in legal studies. Her academic progression extended past Merritt College
because she enrolled at the University of California, Berkeley to complete a
bachelor's degree in legal studies along with city planning as a minor subject.
During her studies at the University of California Berkeley Thao helped create
the Bear Pantry which ran a program dedicated to giving food to students who
lacked sufficient nutrition because of her dedication to help disadvantaged communities.
Political Career
Getting involved in politics became necessary for Thao
because she wanted to bring positive changes to her neighborhood. Her work
started as a paid Oakland City Council Staff Member for Rebecca Kaplan where
she rose through the ranks to take the position of Chief of Staff during 2017.
Through her personal experiences dealing with Oakland resident hardships
Priscilla developed a deep motivation to serve as a public official.
Thao earned her seat on Oakland City Council during the 2018
elections when she received the vote of District 4 residents. Her leadership
position concentrated on achieving solutions for three priorities including
making affordable housing available with emphasis on public safety and
infrastructure development. Her deep commitment to the residents gained her
extensive support throughout her service to the community.
Thao became the 51st mayor of Oakland during November 2022
and she earned this position as the first Hmong American to govern a major
American city. Her win as a public office leader marked a historical point for
both Hmong communities and every group fighting to gain leadership positions in
today's modern society.
Tenure as Mayor
The mayorship of Thao started officially on January 9, 2023.
The mayor established her governing priorities toward solving Oakland's main
concerns about crime rates and homelessness while concentrating on
accessibility of housing. As part of her leadership vision her administration
focused on three main goals including new housing development reaching 30,000
units during eight years and introducing rent control programs and expanding
police numbers and safety prevention initiatives.
The period of her administration encountered various
obstacles. Because Oakland experienced major financial deficits Thao proposed
constructing a two-year $4.2 billion budget framework that would bring together
departments with hiring restrictions to handle the budget cuts. The
administration drew public criticism about its public safety management because
business operations decreased following safety concerns which prompted some
businesses to permanently close.
Personal Life
The personal experiences Thao has gone through shaped her
perspective regarding delivering public governance. History with homelessness
and public office has given her a deep awareness about the hardships facing
disadvantaged communities. Through public discourse she has exposed her history
of domestic abuse and homelessness to support both victims of abuse and people
without shelter.
Thao lived in Oakland's Lincoln Highlands neighborhood of
2024 with her partner Andre Jones while raising their two children. Jones
supported Thao during her Councilmember Kaplan internship and remained her
consistent supporter across her political journey.
Net Worth and Financial Standing
The current net worth estimate for Sheng Thao during 2024
shows a figure of $8 million. The annual compensation from her political duties
including the mayorship position amounted to $250,000 which became her primary
source of income. Her success in financial matters demonstrates her devotion
combined with the positive influence her work in public service has on society.
Challenges and Controversies
The 2024 year brought substantial public analysis to Thao's
administrative leadership. An FBI search at her residence during June became
connected to a running investigation and caused doubts about her mayoral
performance. The recall movement against Thao successfully led to her office
departure on November 5th, 2024 when voters supported removal with a 60.62%
margin. History recorded the very first recall of an Oakland mayor through this
removal.
A January 2025 federal grand jury handed an indictment to
councilwoman Thao who now faced criminal bribery charges which made her
potential legacy vulnerable to negative impacts. Her achievements from the past
together with her groundbreaking work remain influential for those who see her
story as a story of leadership and determination.
Legacy and Impact
Sheng Thao's story is a powerful narrative of overcoming
adversity and striving for change. Her ascent from a challenging upbringing to
the mayoralty of a major city underscores the importance of resilience,
community support, and unwavering commitment to public service. While her
tenure ended amid controversy, the historic nature of her election and the
initiatives she championed leave an indelible mark on Oakland's political
landscape.
Her journey serves as an inspiration, highlighting the
potential for individuals from all backgrounds to effect meaningful change and
attain positions of leadership.
