Gyeonggi Province Governor... Fierce Challenges to Choo Mi-ae and Kim Dongyeon [2026 Local Elections] ②

The Democratic Party's Primary Race Expected to Be Fiercer Than the Main Election
Choo Mi-ae and Others Challenge Governor Kim Dongyeon
People Power Party Considers Kim Seon-kyo, Kim Eun-hye, and Others

Editor's NoteThe Lee Jaemyung administration, launched on June 4, has yet to fully establish its cabinet. Both the ruling and opposition parties are busy forming new leadership teams. The 9th local elections are scheduled for June 3 next year, just 11 months away. While that may seem like plenty of time, it is not necessarily the case. Behind the scenes, the local election race has already begun. Next year's local elections are particularly noteworthy as they will be held just one year after the Lee Jaemyung administration took office. There is keen interest in how the current map of metropolitan mayors and governors-currently 11 held by the People Power Party and 5 by the Democratic Party-might change, and whether the Democratic Party will secure local power in addition to its legislative and administrative dominance. Following the review of Seoul mayoral candidates, we now examine the expected candidates for Gyeonggi Province governor. ① Seoul Mayor ② Gyeonggi Province Governor

As of March this year, Gyeonggi Province has a population of 14.17 million, making it the most populous region in South Korea. Its political significance has also grown. Both Lee Jaemyung, the Democratic Party candidate in the last presidential election, and Kim Moonsoo, the People Power Party candidate, previously served as Gyeonggi Province governors. In the eight gubernatorial elections held so far, candidates from the Democratic Party have won three times, while those from the People Power Party have won five times.

Let's first look at the most recent election results. In the 2022 presidential election, Lee Jaemyung of the Democratic Party received 50.94% of the vote in Gyeonggi Province, leading Yoon Sukyeol of the People Power Party, who garnered 45.62%, by approximately 463,000 votes. In the 8th local elections held three months after the presidential election, Kim Dongyeon of the Democratic Party narrowly defeated Kim Eunhye of the People Power Party by a margin of 8,913 votes. In contrast, in the basic local elections, the People Power Party won 22 seats, while the Democratic Party secured 9.

Democratic Party's Landslide Victory in Last Year's Parliamentary Election: 53 to 6; Led by 1.31 Million Votes in This Presidential Election as Well

What about the results of the 2024 parliamentary elections? Of the 59 constituencies in Gyeonggi Province, the Democratic Party won 53, while the People Power Party won 6. This is a significant shift from 2022. This trend continued in the June 3 presidential election, where Lee Jaemyung of the Democratic Party led Kim Moonsoo of the People Power Party by approximately 1.317 million votes. This indicates that the Democratic Party's influence in the region has grown stronger.

Regarding next year's June 3 Gyeonggi Province gubernatorial election, attention is focused on whether Governor Kim Dongyeon will be able to retain his position. First, he must secure the Democratic Party nomination. In the last presidential election, Governor Kim participated in the Democratic Party primary and received 6.87% of the vote. Although the primary was held under the prevailing sentiment of "Eodaemyung" (meaning 'the presidential candidate will inevitably be Lee Jaemyung'), his vote share was lower than expected.

Many Democratic Party Lawmakers Eyeing a Challenge to Incumbent Governor Kim Dongyeon

Usually, when there is an incumbent, few within the party challenge them, as the advantages of incumbency are hard to ignore. However, the situation appears different this time. Perhaps because he is seen as a "weak link," more Democratic Party members are preparing to challenge Governor Kim. Governor Kim, seemingly aware of this, is careful not to displease President Lee. He did not hold a press conference for his third year in office and has emphasized the importance of the Lee Jaemyung administration's success. He is also working to strengthen his connections with Democratic Party lawmakers.

First, six-term lawmaker Choo Mi-ae (Hanam-si Gap) is showing a strong intention to run for Gyeonggi Province governor. According to a political insider familiar with Choo, "Choo Mi-ae has made up her mind to run for Gyeonggi Province governor." She has already begun practical preparations, such as holding meetings with her aides. After the Democratic Party's August 2 national convention, she is expected to tour regions across Gyeonggi Province, sharing her vision for the province through lectures and similar events.

Choo Mi-ae Decides, Cho Jeong-sik Contemplates... Lawmakers Kwon Chilseung, Kim Byungjoo, and Park Jung Also Preparing to Run

Another six-term lawmaker, Cho Jeong-sik (Siheung-eul), is reportedly still considering his options. A pro-Lee Jaemyung lawmaker, he previously considered running for National Assembly Speaker but withdrew. At that time, there was a contest between Woo Wonshik and Choo Mi-ae, with Woo ultimately becoming Speaker. Rumors circulated that Cho was eyeing the speakership for the latter half of the term. He is now said to be weighing whether to run for Gyeonggi Province governor or pursue the speakership in the latter half of the term.

Three-term lawmakers preparing to run for governor include Park Jung (Paju-si Eul), who previously chaired the Special Committee on Budget and Accounts, and Kwon Chilseung (Hwaseong-si Byeong), former Minister of SMEs and Startups. Second-term lawmaker Kim Byungjoo (Namyangju-si Eul), who gained prominence during the impeachment crisis, is also reportedly considering a run. First-term lawmaker Yeom Taeyoung (Suwon-si Mu), former mayor of Suwon, has long expressed interest in running. The name of Park Kwangon, a three-term former floor leader from the non-Lee faction, has also been mentioned. In addition, three-term lawmaker Lee Eonju (Yongin-si Jeong) is closely monitoring the situation.

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It is also worth watching five-term lawmakers such as Jeong Seongho (Dongducheon-si, Yangju-si, Yeoncheon-gun Gap), now Minister of Justice, and Yoon Hojoong (Guri-si), now Minister of the Interior and Safety. During his confirmation hearing, Yoon stated he "had not considered" running when asked about the possibility.

Within the People Power Party, the name most frequently mentioned is that of Kim Eunhye (Bundang-gu Eul), a two-term lawmaker who lost to Governor Kim in the last election. Other potential candidates include Kim Seongyo (Yeoju-si, Yangpyeong-gun), a two-term lawmaker and current Gyeonggi Province Party Chair, as well as former lawmakers Shim Jaecheol, Won Yoochul, and Yoo Seungmin. Given the fluid situation, including the ongoing special prosecutor's investigation, the People Power Party's lineup may change, so it remains to be seen how things will unfold.