Running from Nancy O'Malley

Assembly bill threatens ranked-choice voting in Oakland, Berkeley, San Leandro, and Albany

Alameda County District Attorney candidates Jimmie Wilson at a virtual candidates forum on Wednesday.

ELECTION 2022

ALAMEDA COUNTY DA

—O’MALLEY SNUB—Internal polling and the vibe from voters appears to be telling candidates that retiring Alameda County District Attorney Nancy O’Malley is politically radioactive. The four candidates seeking to replace her at the DA’s office have been clear in their attempts to create distance from O’Malley’s legacy.

—This is especially difficult for the two Alameda County prosecutors in the race—Terry Wiley and Jimmie Wilson. At a candidate forum hosted by the Urban Peace Movement and Justice Reinvestment Coalition on Wednesday night, Wilson attempted to make it abundantly clear that he’s never had anything to do with O’Malley, whatsoever.

—“I walked into Nancy O’Malley’s office and told her I’m running for DA. I’m not her choice. I am not a member of the old guard. I refused to accept the status quo,” Wilson said. Wilson further attempted to separate himself from Wiley. “I am not a 30-year prosecutor that is claiming they are progressive or moderate. I am not an extension of what is going on in our community for far too long.”

—Wilson’s comments highlight yet again the fears among some moderates and law enforcement insiders that the presence of two candidates from the DA’s office would cancel each other out and give Pamela Price a distinct advantage in the primary. For Price, the drumbeat of criticism toward O’Malley and the DA’s office may ring true with many county voters. Price has been consistent in her rhetoric over the past four years, while Wiley and Wilson may force voters to wonder whether their platforms for reform is political expediency.

MORE IN THIS ISSUE: Ranked-Choice Voting and Alameda County | Wicks Bills on State Eviction Moratorium, Affordable Housing | Gas Rebate Debate | Moneyball |