Randy Hope, Candidate for Mayor, Chatham-Kent
What motivated you to run in the 2026 municipal election, and what do you believe you can bring to Chatham-Kent council that is needed right now?
“The motivation to run in 2026 has been driven by the community with people telling me I need to run for Mayor. What I bring to council is strong leadership with both council and administration, experience and understanding of all the communities which make up Chatham-Kent. The ability to work with all members of council to focus on a vision and direction.”
What are the biggest issues facing residents across Chatham-Kent, and how would you work to address them if re-elected?
“The biggest issues facing the residents is taxes, good paying jobs and housing. No one person can address these issues alone. We must as a council be focused, but strong leadership is required and the ability to listen.”
What would you like voters to know about you personally — including your background, experience, and values — as they decide who to support in this election?
“Started working at Rockwell International (ArvinMeritor) in 1978, retired in 2008
Elected President of UAW/CAW in 1985 – 1990
Elected President of Chatham & District Labour council in 1988 – 1990
Elected Chatham Kent MPP in 1990 at the age of 30 and served as Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Community and Scoical Services until 1995
Elected Mayor of Chatham Kent in 2006, 2010 and in 2014 for a total of 12 years
Former Chair of Western Wardens 2015 and 2016
AMO Board Member 2015 and 2016
Former Board Member of The Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River Cities Initiative
Former Board Member of SWIFT
Member of Ontario Association of Former Parliamentarians (executive board member) 2014 – Present
President of White Knight Advisory International 2019 to Present
Business administration International business, Ontario College advance Diploma from St. Clair College”
How can people connect with and learn more about you during your election campaign?
“Contact can be made right now at randyrhope@hotmail.ca. I am currently working on a Facebook page and website but remember just filed my papers to run on July 17th and it does take time to get everything in place.”
Editor’s Note: The same questions are being sent to each Mayoral, Ward 4 and Ward 5 candidate in the 2026 Chatham-Kent Municipal Election. The questions and candidates responses are above. Watch for more Q&A’s being posted from candidates who choose to participate.
