Daejeon‘s Future: Why Mayor Lee Jang-woo is the GOP’s Best Bet for 2026

Choi Go-Na | 2026.03.15

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  Chungnam Governor Kim Tae-heum and Daejeon Mayor Lee Jang-woo held placards as they attended a \"Daejeon–Chungnam Rally Against Hasty Integration\" on the steps in front of the National Assembly main building on the 24th. Yonhap News

Daejeon Mayor Lee Jang-woo and Chungnam Governor Kim Tae-heum were each chosen as the People Power Party's sole candidate for Daejeon mayor and Chungnam governor, respectively, in the June 3 local elections.

The People Power Party's candidate screening committee announced the decision in a press release on the afternoon of the 15th.

The committee said Lee has consistently pursued policies to strengthen Daejeon's future competitiveness. Considering those achievements and his administrative record overall, it decided to grant him the party's sole nomination for Daejeon mayor.

Regarding Kim, the committee said he has produced tangible change across multiple areas, including reinforcing Chungnam's industrial base. After evaluating his proven leadership, it awarded him the sole nomination for Chungnam governor.

The committee added that, through these nominations, it intends to help shape the future of the Chungcheong region and advance politics that respond to rapidly changing public demands.