The Gwangju chapter of the Democratic Party announced on the 10th that Shin Su-jeong secured the party’s nomination for the Buk-gu mayoral race after a runoff.
The runoff combined party-member ARS (automated phone) votes and verified-number electorate votes, each weighted at 50%. As a result, Shin defeated Jung Da-eun and clinched the nomination.
Shin, the first woman to serve as chair of the Gwangju City Council, served three terms as a municipal councilor and was re-elected as a metropolitan councilor.
She has received five Manifesto Promise Awards and led the city council in approving the Jeonnam–Gwangju administrative integration.
Her key pledges include transforming the area around Gwangju Station into an urban axis, building an AI-driven livable city, and revitalizing neighborhood commercial districts.
The Buk-gu mayoral race became highly competitive after the incumbent decided not to run, drawing a crowded field of candidates.
In the Democratic Party’s preliminary primary, seven candidates were narrowed to five; after Jo Ho-gwon endorsed Shin, the race settled into a four-way contest.
In the main primary, Shin and Jung posted the highest vote totals and advanced to the runoff, attracting attention as an all-female matchup.
The Democratic Party has now finalized candidates for all five local executive posts in Gwangju; incumbents won the nominations in the four races outside of Shin’s.
Shin will face Progressive Party candidate Kim Ju-eop and other challengers in the general election.
