Sheng Thao, who made history in 2022 as the first Hmong American woman to lead a major U.S. city, has been indicted by a federal grand jury. According to the San Francisco Chronicle, this development follows her ousting from the mayoral office of Oakland, just 18 months into her tenure. Thao's brief but impactful administration saw her emerge as Oakland's youngest mayor in 75 years, recognized for her community involvement and activism.
Before assuming office, Thao served as an intern for Oakland's vice-mayor, Rebecca Kaplan. Her mayoral campaign championed public safety reforms, including pledges to fill vacancies in the corruption-plagued police department and invest in violence prevention programs. However, critics accused her of being soft on crime and attributed her policies to the departure of the Oakland Athletics and chain restaurants In-N-Out and Denny's. Despite these challenges, Thao made decisive moves such as firing Police Chief Leronne Armstrong in February 2023.
Thao's recall in the November election was fueled by a campaign bankrolled by wealthy tech and crypto executives. The recall effort marked a turbulent period in Oakland's political landscape, abruptly ending Thao’s administration. In June 2023, an FBI raid on her home further intensified scrutiny on her leadership.