For the first time since 2017, more likely Oakland voters say the city is headed in the right direction than the wrong one, according to the Oakland Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce's annual Pulse of Oakland poll. In the survey, 46% said right direction and 36% said wrong direction, The Oaklandside reported.

In 2024, just 12% said the city was on the right track and 75% said the wrong track, NBC Bay Area reported.

The Nov. 3 races

  • Mayor: Two-thirds of respondents said they plan to vote for Barbara Lee. Mindy Pechenuk was second at 7%.
  • District 2: 48% for Councilmember Charlene Wang, 20% for challenger Nate Adams.
  • District 6: 58% for Councilmember Kevin Jenkins, 9% for Nancy Sidebotham, with 33% undecided.

The pollster noted that district-level results have a margin of error of about 10 points.

Other findings

  • Nine in 10 respondents said it's good to have more large companies move to Oakland. On AI companies specifically, 55% agreed and 39% disagreed.
  • Only 30% think city government is doing a good job helping local businesses, and 35% call downtown "vibrant."
  • Voters generally approve of speed cameras and license plate readers. Aerial drones drew the most opposition, at 37%.

FM3 Research surveyed 720 likely voters by phone and online.

See every race and measure in our Election 2026 guide.