Ron Oden


Ron Oden is an American politician. In November 2003, he was elected the first gay African-American mayor of Palm Springs, California, after serving eight years on the city council.

Biography

Early Life and Education
Oden was born on March 21, 1950 in Detroit, Michigan and grew up in Los Angeles, California. He attended Oakwood University in Huntsville, Alabama, earning a Bachelor of Arts in History, Sociology, and Theology. He also went on to earn a Master of Arts degree in Theology at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan, as well as a Master of Arts Degree in Ethnic Studies at the University at Albany, SUNY. He is an ordained Seventh-day Adventist minister, but resigned shortly before entering politics.
Politics
In 1990, Oden moved to Palm Springs, California to begin teaching at the College of the Desert as an adjunct Sociology instructor. Concern about educational and social issues motivated Oden to enter politics, and in 1995, he was elected to the Palm Springs City Council.
In 2000, Oden ran for Congress on a limited budget, capturing 38% of the vote.
In 2003, Oden was elected Mayor of Palm Springs. As the first openly gay African American mayor elected in California, Oden's election made global news headlines. Oden's tenure as mayor was notable for his work promoting organizations focused on diversity, including the Palm Springs Human Rights Task Force, the Palm Springs Human Rights Commission, and the Palm Springs branch of the NAACP. Oden also brought in the Palm Springs City Council's first gay majority.
Palm Springs saw historical growth during Oden's tenure, with the city's budget doubling during his term. Oden saw success in building Palm Springs as a destination resort city, helped by a new concourse being added to the Palm Springs International Airport in 2007 and new amenities like the Palm Springs Skatepark, considered one of California's best skateparks.
In June 2006, he lost in the Democratic primary for a seat in the California State Assembly by less than 100 votes.
In 2007, he was honored with a Golden Palm Star on the Palm Springs Walk of Stars.
In 2015, eight years after the completion of his initial stint as mayor, Oden once again ran for mayor of Palm Springs. Oden lost the election to Robert Moon.
Personal Life and Legacy
Oden is openly bisexual and is the father of two daughters, Brooke and Brittany. He is also the grandfather of two granddaughters and two grandsons.
In recognition of his role in the Palm Springs community as the first openly gay African American elected as mayor of a California city, Oden was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award by Great Palm Springs Pride at the 2019 Pride Honors Awards.