Former Alameda mayoral candidate and Alameda resident Barack D. Obama Shaw announced his 2026 candidacy for Governor of California to the Alameda Sun Monday. The campaign was established on Obama Shaw’s social media a few months ago, but to ensure the community of the seriousness of his endeavor, he contacted the Sun for confirmation.

Obama Shaw’s campaign for Alameda’s mayor in November 2022 was his first foray into politics after serving eight years in the U.S. military. Obama Shaw admits he may dream a little bigger than other candidates.

When he ran for mayor his stated priorities were to ensure children's safety in schools, create a city-wide neighborhood watch program, reduce homelessness and raise teacher pay. He also listed creating new dog parks, increasing tourism, promoting bicycle safety and educating the community on earthquake preparedness among his goals as mayor.

Obama Shaw’s mayoral campaign garnered 1,749 votes, 6.04 percent of votes cast. Obama Shaw can be reached at barack@pricelesspolitics.com.