It’s been a tough week for Auckland Mayor Shen Tao.
Last week, a recall effort to remove her from office became eligible for the November ballot. Less than 24 hours later, the FBI searched her home. Her lawyer abruptly resigned on Monday and her spokesman resigned on Tuesday.
Francis Zamora Check with KTVU He announced his resignation from his position as communications director on Tuesday.
“I would like to thank my colleagues for their professionalism and dedication. It has been an honor to serve the City of Oakland alongside them,” Zamora wrote in an email to the department.
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LR: Francis Zamora and Oakland Mayor Shen Tao. (Oakland.gov; Getty Images)
Zamora will be replaced by Patty Navalta, who will serve as interim communications director until Mayor Tao finds a permanent replacement.
Fox News Digital reached out to the mayor’s office for information about when Zamora would step down, but did not receive a response before publication.
Mayor Thao’s resignation came a day after he addressed the recall effort and subsequent FBI investigation at a press conference, in which he denied having done anything wrong.
FBI agents at the home of Oakland Mayor Shen Tao. (KTVU)
“Let me be clear: I have done nothing wrong,” Tao said from the podium, reading from prepared remarks. “I can confidently say that this investigation is not about me. I have not been charged with a crime, and I am confident that I will not be charged with a crime because I am innocent.”
Later that day, her lawyer, Tony Blass, resigned after the mayor held a press conference without informing him.
Last Thursday, FBI agents removed boxes from the home she shares with her son and partner as part of an investigation that also included searches of two other homes owned by different family members.
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The raids came after supporters of the mayoral recall were informed by the city clerk that they had gathered enough signatures to possibly get on the November ballot.
Supporters of the recall argue that public safety and economic vitality have deteriorated under a politically progressive mayor, and that the mayor should not have fired Police Chief Leron Armstrong.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
