Former Alameda Mayor Trish Herrera Spencer’s bid for the City Council received the endorsement of Kenny the Clown, the street entertainer ubiquitous at Park Street street fairs and other local events.

“Tell us about you’re candidacy. Tell us about what you’re doing here,” Kenny the Clown asked Spencer in a video posted this week. “I’m supporting clowns!” Spencer cheered.

Some social media users in Alameda also noted the absence of masks on the faces of two supporters in the video that were in close proximity to the former mayor.

Spencer was defeated two years after one term as mayor, and is vying for two open at-large seats on the Alameda City Council. The five-person race includes council incumbents Jim Oddie and Malia Vella, along with newcomers Gig Codiga and Amos White.

According to Spencer’s campaign website, a vast majority of her support comes from community members. Not surprising, since Spencer’s support has been cultivated going back to her years on the school board and as mayor, seemingly one embrace and kiss on the cheek at a time.

However, among local politicos only former Alameda Mayor Beverly Johnson, and current Councilmember Tony Daysog have endorsed Spencer. Kenny the Clown also fits the bill.

Kenneth Kahn, AKA Kenny the Clown, ran unsuccessfully for Alameda mayor in 2006 and 2010, and San Francisco mayor in 2007. According to a 2013 profile in The Alamedan, Kahn offered similar anti-establishment rhetoric that Spencer has often proffered at Alameda City Hall. Quoting Ralph Nader, Kahn said, “I’d rather work on government than in government.”

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