BERKELEY — Councilmember Sophie Hahn has conceded after a tight race for Berkeley’s top elected role, thanking supporters for their backing and wishing winner Adena Ishii best of luck as mayor.
“While it’s not the outcome we hoped for, I’m full of gratitude for the amazing support you’ve shown throughout, and proud of the 100% positive campaign we ran. We shared a strong vision of progress and possibility, grounded in love for this community. To each of you who contributed time, goodwill, and funds, thank you so much, from the bottom of my heart,” Hahn said in an email Wednesday night.
Latest returns from the Alameda County Registrar of Voters on Wednesday showed Ishii had received 51% of the vote while Hahn had earned 49%, after votes were retabulated in accordance with Berkeley’s ranked-choice voting system. Hahn held an early lead beginning on election night but Ishii officially pulled ahead last week, receiving the greatest number of first-place votes out of the five candidates running – 38% to Hahn’s 37%.
Hahn has represented District 5 since first elected to the Berkeley City Council in 2016. Previously, she served on a number of bodies including Berkeley’s Zoning Adjustments Board, Commission on the Status of Women, Berkeley Public Library Board of Trustees and the Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School Parent Teacher Association.
Ishii thanked Hahn and former Councilmembers Kate Harrison, who was also in the running for the position, for their service to the city and shared her excitement for beginning her work on pressing city business in a statement Thursday.
“Thank you to everyone who voted for me, and for those who didn’t, I will work hard to earn your confidence,” Ishii said. “We can do this together!”
The top two candidates ran on similar platforms of expanding Berkeley’s housing stock, improving city infrastructure and addressing public safety. But while Hahn presented herself to voters as an experienced and dedicated leader, Ishii pitched herself as a much needed fresh face and unity builder.
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In addition to wishing Ishii “the very best as she navigates our city through what are likely to be challenging times for our country, and our community,” Hahn also congratulated Zoning Adjustment Board Member Shoshana O’Keefe who will replace Hahn as the District 5 representative. O’Keefe is a “stellar” choice to lead the district where Hahn grew up, she said in her concession email.
Hahn’s last day on council will be Dec. 3, after which she said she plans to spend time with family and friends and remain committed to working on key issues in the city.
“It’s been an honor and a pleasure serving you on the City Council these past eight years, and I couldn’t be more proud of all we’ve accomplished together,” Hahn said. “My energy and passion for service remain as strong as ever, and I look forward to future opportunities to make a difference on the issues I’m most passionate about; ending homelessness, increasing housing affordability, and tackling the climate crisis.”
