East Bay November Election Preview: Part 1-Alameda County DA fall race to focus on Wiley veteran. Perhaps, Price is Right? Oakland gets a new mayor
Best of the rest: Oakland mayor, 10th State Senate District; 20th Assembly District; three Oakland City Council contests
1. ALAMEDA COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY
This was the June primary’s marquee race and it holds the top spot in November. Candidates Pamela Price and Terry Wiley have contrasting styles, spin interesting turns of speech, and also proved during the primary that they do not like each other. Most importantly, their views for the future of the Alameda County DA’s office will provide county voters with two clear choices. Both say they will seek reforms, but the central question is how much reform do voters want? Price is promising wholesale change. Wiley, an Alameda County prosecutor, is offering change in tandem with experience. Wiley proved to be a prodigious fundraiser in the primary. Liberal darling George Soros didn’t spend on an Independent Expenditure Committee supporting Price’s campaign in the primary, but many expect he does this fall. Look for a scandal-ridden fall campaign. Price has her skeletons, Wiley has his. Does former San Francisco DA Chesa Boudin’s loss hint at what East Bay voters might be thinking? Like almost every race on this list, public safety will loom large.
2. OAKLAND MAYOR
An open seat for the leader of Alameda County’s most populous city will always receive top-billing. But while the early-going of this race seems a bit boring, don’t expect it to last. Who will take over for the termed out Mayor Libby Schaaf?
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