West Kent Coun. Lauren Anderson has announced her candidacy for mayor of Chatham-Kent, entering the race on the opening day of the municipal election nomination period.
Anderson, a registered nurse and mother of two, said her campaign will centre on community connection and what she describes as a renewed focus on care in local leadership.
“Chatham-Kent is home. It’s where I’ve raised my daughters, built my career, and served my community,” said Anderson. “I’m running for Mayor because I believe we need leadership that reflects the realities people are facing, and leads with care, accountability, and action.”
Drawing on her experience in health care, Anderson said her work on the front lines has shaped her understanding of challenges facing residents.
“As a nurse, you see the pressures people are under every single day,” she said. “Care isn’t just about services, it’s about how we show up for people. Those experiences shape how you listen, how you lead, and how you make decisions.”
She added that her approach to leadership is also influenced by balancing family life with public service.
“Being a mom has taught me resilience, accountability, and how to prioritize what truly matters,” Anderson said. “I want a future for my daughters, and for all families in Chatham-Kent, where people feel supported, heard, and genuinely cared for.”
During her time on council, Anderson pointed to efforts securing funding to support Wheatley’s revitalization following the downtown explosion, saying the work focused on keeping community needs at the centre of recovery efforts.
Her campaign will focus on strengthening local services, supporting economic growth and advancing what she described as a more responsive approach to municipal decision-making.
“I’m incredibly grateful for the support we’ve already seen,” said Anderson. “This campaign is about people, and about building a community where care is at the centre of every decision. I’m ready to keep showing up, listening, and doing the work.”
