Judge Brenda Harbin-Forte led the recall of Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao and is now seeking the position of Oakland’s City Attorney. With a commitment to making Oakland a safe, respected city and leading a justice system that works for its people, Judge Brenda brings a wealth of experience and a strong vision for change.

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With over 45 years of legal experience, including 27 years as a judge, Judge Brenda has managed every type of case handled by the City Attorney’s office, overseeing hundreds of cases simultaneously. Her Oakland roots span more than 50 years, beginning at McClymonds High School as a teen mother. Graduating among the top students, she went on to attend UC Berkeley and Berkeley Law School, passing the bar exam on her first attempt.

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Judge Brenda became an equity partner at a large law firm and has been active in bar associations and youth mentoring programs. A leader in the judiciary, she served on the California Judicial Council and was the first Black woman to be Dean of California’s Judicial College. She has been a champion of judicial diversity throughout her career.

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Her efforts to combat human trafficking as the Presiding Judge of Juvenile Court set national standards and earned her recognition from judges' associations, bar associations, and community groups alike. Judge Brenda believes Oakland needs a new direction and brings integrity, independence, courage, and a strong work ethic to her candidacy for City Attorney.