Richard Santos Raya
for City Council
Richard Santos Raya
J.D., Comedian, Writer, and Martial Artist
Candidate for Oakland City Council for District 5
Oakland’s people are national leaders in culture, politics, and social activism. We’re the birthplace of the Black Panthers, and the Black Lives Matter movement has roots here too. We routinely punch above our weight when it comes to leading the fight for racial justice. Our city’s government has often followed the people’s progressive vision, enacting key equity initiatives—but it has also often failed to live up to what the people want.
Oakland needs a bold and comprehensive vision for a future that includes and supports us all. I have that vision, and the energy and commitment to bring it to fruition.
Read on to see my ideas for how to get Oakland back on track.
I’m Richard Santos Raya—the right choice to represent District 5.
Community Reinvestment
A Black New Deal which reboots the Oakland economy in the wake of COVID-19 will bring city-funded jobs that restore our infrastructure, grow green space all throughout the flatlands, and rekindle the economy. Along with housing and healthcare supports and opportunities, we will usher in a stronger Oakland.
Supporting Schools
The future of our nation lies in the hands of our teachers. Empowered teachers, outfitted with better pay, more supplies, and more support staff (from assistants to specialists and behavioral interventionists) are integral to rebuilding Oakland. I also advocate for a freeze on charter schools.
Celebrating Our Culture
I want to reinvigorate our community by bringing Oakland’s roots back to the people through a Cultural Corridor of sculpture, art, and information that highlights Oakland’s proud cultural history. I am committed to making this project a reality for Oaklanders today and for years to come.
Make Your Voice Heard
We require a new brand of governance. One that is in-touch with our needs and paired with a broad vision for the future. We demand systemic solutions to our problems—homelessness, unemployment, violence—coupled with a homegrown heart. I pledge to champion co-governance, participatory budgeting, and being just a text away. Reach out and connect with me today. I’ll answer, and we can arrange a time to talk!
Join the fight for our community!
We're running a grassroots campaign to bring fresh energy and progressive ideas to Oakland’s City Council,
fighting for the chance to remake Oakland in our own image.
We can do this! But we're going up against a deeply entrenched incumbent — it's going to take all of us.
Our campaign is 100% volunteer.
Your donations of time and money go toward materials that help the rest of Oakland learn more about me, my story, and what we're fighting for.
Change isn't just possible — it's coming.
Be a part of it!