Why I’m Running Again

To the people of Chatham-Kent,

I’ve spent a great deal of time thinking about whether I should run for Mayor again.

I’m not running to take Chatham-Kent back to 2018. I’m running because twelve years as Mayor taught me how government works, and eight years away taught me what needs to change.

Since 2018, I’ve continued working and living here in Chatham-Kent. I’ve watched our community change and watched my family grow into young adults beginning to build lives of their own—looking for good jobs, affordable homes and opportunities right here in Chatham-Kent.

At the same time, the challenges facing our community have become harder to ignore. The cost of living is putting increasing pressure on families and seniors. Homelessness and addiction are becoming more visible and complex. Our businesses need opportunity, our communities need investment, and our residents need to feel that their municipality is working for them.

Over the past few months, business owners, community advocates and leaders in Chatham-Kent have reached out and encouraged me to run again. Those conversations helped me to evaluate what I know I can contribute.

I know municipal government, I know how to work with other levels of government, and I know what it takes to turn ideas into results. But I also know that Chatham-Kent in 2026 is not the Chatham-Kent of 2018.

I’m not running to recreate the past. I’m running to use what I learned from it to build what comes next.

I believe Chatham-Kent needs experienced, practical leadership focused on the challenges people are facing today and the opportunities ahead.

That’s why I’m running for Mayor again.

— Randy Hope