In 2004, McLaughlin had become the first member of the Green Party to win a seat on the Richmond city council.

This is attributed to her door-to-door campaigning and the fact that ballots for Richmond city offices do not mention political party.

[4] Irma Anderson, the prior mayor of Richmond, was endorsed by Dianne Feinstein, Phil Angelides, Loni Hancock, and John Gioia.

The results for the four-year seats were as follows: Jim Rogers 9,295[1] María T. Viramontes 9,033[1] Ludmyrna "Myrna" López 7,864[1] (these three were elected) Courtland "Corky" Boozé 7,382[1] James "Jim" Jenkins 4,825[1] Richard Griffin 4,678[1] Tony Thurmond was unopposed in running for a short (2-year) term for a vacancy created by a resignation.

The measure's purpose was to raise $10 million in additional annual revenue for the purpose of hiring fifty additional police officers, expanding community programs and youth crime prevention, and to serve as a general city tax code overhaul.

It was supported by the Richmond Police Department including Chief Rupf and several neighborhood councils.