2026 화성시장 선거: 정명근의 재선 도전과 정책 비전 공개

On March 18, Hwaseong Mayor Jeong Myung-geun declared his candidacy for the 9th nationwide local elections, formally launching his bid for a second term.

At a press conference that afternoon at Hwaseong’s Naraeul Comprehensive Social Welfare Center, Jeong unveiled his campaign slogan—“For Korea, Lee Jae-myung; for Hwaseong, Jeong Myung-geun”—and pledged to make Hwaseong “Korea’s No. 1 City,” balancing economic growth with essential public services in alignment with the Lee Jae-myung administration.

In his announcement, Jeong emphasized the February launch of Hwaseong’s special-city system with four district offices as a core achievement. He said that with national support and decisive action, the long-sought four-district structure is taking root, and he promised the municipal government would be a reliable partner in translating central government priorities into policies that affect citizens’ daily lives.

His policy platform includes a “Hwaseong-style basic society,” a “30-minute mobility era,” “Hwaseong as Korea’s economic capital,” and a “high-quality, globally attractive city.” He plans to expand welfare programs across the life course—from children to seniors—and to complete major transport projects, including the Dongtan–Indeokwon Line, the Incheon-origin KTX, and the Dongtan tram, to better connect the city.

Jeong also outlined a plan to create advanced industry clusters that combine semiconductors, future mobility, and bio sectors centered on the Hwaong and Daesong districts. He said the city will foster future industries such as AI strategic projects and aerospace to position Hwaseong as a key pillar of the national economy. The western area, he added, will be developed into a destination tourism hub linked to an international theme park and West Coast attractions.

Holding the press conference in front of the “Geunyang Dream On Lounge” inside the Naraeul Welfare Center reinforced his welfare-focused message. Jeong stressed that Hwaseong-style basic society and welfare initiatives are already being implemented in city administration, and he vowed to further strengthen policies covering care services, public safety, and support for the elderly during the ninth elected term.

Framing his campaign around continuity and administrative experience, Jeong said government should not be treated as a laboratory and called for proven leadership to protect the lives of Hwaseong’s 1,070,000 residents. As the incumbent who knows the city’s neighborhoods and daily realities best, he pledged to sustain uninterrupted urban development.

Jeong’s candidacy also crystallized the Democratic Party’s primary contest for Hwaseong mayor. Former Blue House senior administrative officer Jin Seok-beom and City Councilor Kim Kyung-hee have already declared their intentions to run, making the Democratic primary likely the first hurdle for Jeong’s re-election bid. Candidates from the People Power Party and the Reform New Party have also announced runs, increasing the likelihood of a multi-candidate general election.