Candidate unification reshapes Daejeon race

Apr 02, 2026, 09:27 am

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The Democratic Party held a joint campaign event on April 1, seen as the final stage for candidates to present their vision and capabilities in the Daejeon mayoral primary. / DeliMinju

The political landscape in the Daejeon mayoral primary of the Democratic Party has shifted following a sudden unification between candidates Jang Jong-tae and Jang Cheol-min, breaking the previous front-runner structure led by Heo Tae-jung.

The primary, scheduled from April 2 to 4, is expected to hinge on the impact of the unification and the candidates’ final policy debates.

On April 1, the Democratic Party of Korea held a joint campaign event, widely viewed as the last major opportunity for candidates to showcase their vision and leadership.

Heo Tae-jung emphasized policy alignment with the administration of Lee Jae-myung. “The past four years have been a time of reflection and preparation,” he said, adding that he had consistently supported Lee and worked toward the launch of his government. He pledged to win the upcoming local election and “open a new era of region-led growth.”

Jang Jong-tae highlighted his administrative experience as former Seo-gu district mayor and his achievements as a lawmaker. He stressed the need to position Daejeon as a central city in the Chungcheong region to counterbalance the dominance of the Seoul metropolitan area. “We need a mayor who delivers results, not just words,” he said.

Jang Cheol-min underscored his electoral victory in a traditionally conservative district and his alignment with the current administration’s policy direction. “In a rapidly changing world, we must move Daejeon forward with broader vision and bigger ambition,” he said.

The unification agreement between Jang Jong-tae and Jang Cheol-min includes full mutual support for whichever candidate advances to the final round, a move expected to significantly influence voter sentiment in the closing stages of the primary.

#Daejeon mayor race #Democratic Party primary #candidate unification #Chungcheong region