List of mayors of Berkeley, California facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Mayor of Berkeley
Seal of the City of Berkeley.
Incumbent Vacant since December 2, 2024
Term length	4 years renewable
Formation	1878
First holder	Abel Whitton

This article lists the people who have served as the main leader of Berkeley, California. In the city's early days, this role was called "President" of the Town Board of Trustees. Later, the title changed to "Mayor."

The mayor is like the chief executive officer of a city. They work with the city council to make decisions. These decisions help the city run smoothly. They also represent the city to the outside world.

Mayors of Berkeley

Early Leaders: Town Presidents (1878–1909)

Before Berkeley had a mayor, the city was led by a "President" of the Town Board of Trustees. This board was a group of people who helped manage the town. These presidents served an important role in shaping early Berkeley.

• Presidents, Town Board of Trustees (1878–1909)
  • Abel Whitton (Workingman's Party) 1878–1881
  • A. McKinstry 1881–1883
  • W.C. Wright (Republican) 1883–1885
  • J.B. Henley 1885–1887
  • Henry L. Whitney 1887–1889
  • Samuel Heywood / Joseph L. Scotchler (Republican) 1889–1891
  • Reuben Rickard (Republican) 1891–1893
  • Byron E. Underwood / Martin J. Acton / Charles S. Preble 1893–1895
  • Reuben Rickard (Republican) 1895
  • John W. Richards 1895–1899
  • William H. Marston 1899–1903
  • Thomas Rickard (Republican) 1903–1909

Modern Mayors

The title of "Mayor" was officially adopted in 1909. Since then, many individuals have served in this important role. They have guided Berkeley through different times. The mayor's job is to lead the city council and oversee city services.

• Mayors
  • Beverly L. Hodghead (Democrat) 1909–1911
  • J. Stitt Wilson (Socialist) 1911–1913
  • Charles D. Heywood (Republican) 1913–1915
  • Samuel C. Irving (Democrat) 1915–1919
  • Louis Bartlett (Republican) 1919–1923
  • Frank D. Stringham (Republican) 1923–1927
  • Michael B. Driver (Republican) 1927–1930
  • Thomas E. Caldecott (Republican) 1930–1932
  • Edward N. Ament (Republican) 1932–1939
  • Frank S. Gaines (Republican) 1939–1943
  • Fitch Robertson (Republican) 1943–1946
  • Carrie L. Hoyt (Republican) 1947 (January–April)
  • Laurance L. Cross (Democrat) 1947–1955
  • Claude B. Hutchison (Republican) 1955–1963
  • Wallace Johnson (Republican) 1963–1971
  • Warren Widener (Democrat) 1971–1979, first African-American mayor
  • Gus Newport, (Berkeley Citizens Action) 1979–1986
  • Loni Hancock, (Berkeley Citizens Action) 1986–1994
  • Jeffrey Shattuck Leiter, 1994 (March–December)
  • Shirley Dean, (Berkeley Democrat Club) 1994–2002
  • Tom Bates, 2002–2016
  • Jesse Arreguín, 2016–2024
  • Adena Ishii, 2024–