Richmond municipal election draws 91 candidates for October vote

Richmond’s municipal election will be held Oct. 17 after nominations closed at 4 p.m. Friday, Sept. 11. The election has drawn 91 candidates: eight for mayor, 55 for city council and 28 for school trustee.

The longtime mayor is retiring, and the campaign is now underway. Candidate profiles were compiled from the City of Richmond website, where candidates were responsible for the content and accuracy of their own profiles. The Richmond Elections Office did not edit candidate photos or statements.

Mayoral candidate Dickens Cheung is a UBC Sauder School of Business finance graduate who leads a local herbal tea manufacturing operation. The father of four school-aged children, all born and raised in Richmond, is campaigning on government transparency and accountability, private-property rights, and safe streets and neighbourhoods supported by integrated treatment rather than entrenched addiction. Website: https://www.wearerichmond.ca/meet-dickens-cheung

Incumbent councillor Kash Heed has lived in Richmond for more than 60 years and has decades of public-service experience. Recognized for work on law enforcement and drug policy, he has shared his views internationally and at academic institutions. His campaign focuses on community welfare, transparency and accountability. Website: www.kashheed2026.com

Rob Howard, who was born and raised in Richmond, has served on council and as an MLA. He has spent 25 years as an entrepreneur building seniors’ homes and is campaigning on safety, housing, accountability, prosperity and engagement. Website: robhowardformayor.ca

Kang’s platform focuses on safety, transparent government, economic development and families. She supports local businesses, investment and technology industries, stronger tourism and trade, and opportunities for future generations. Website: happymayor.ca

Lee says active listening is needed and has built a campaign around connections, conversations and friendship. Website: dennetlee.com

Incumbent councillor Loo, running with the Richmond Strong slate, is a two-time Olympian, CPA, CA and mother with a lengthy sports career. Her platform includes safe communities, large infrastructure projects intended to attract businesses, agricultural-sector growth, affordable homes, and expanded programs and facilities for seniors. Website: richmondstrong.ca

Yao, originally from Taiwan, holds a psychology degree from UBC and served one term as BC NDP MLA for Richmond South Centre, now Richmond Centre, from 2020 to 2024. He wants city politics to be more respectful and calm, council debates to focus on ideas, and public discussion to remain honest and civil even on difficult issues. Website: www.facebook.com/HenryYaoRmd

The City of Richmond website did not publish information for another mayoral candidate.

Among council candidates, Awan has lived in Richmond since emigrating from Uganda in 1974 and works as an air transport pilot based at YVR. He says the communication required in aviation should guide city hall, where he believes more dialogue and two-way communication are necessary.

Bains is running with the Conservative party. The City of Richmond website did not publish further information about the candidate.

Richmond Strong candidate Basanti has lived in Richmond since 2001 and raised three children in the city. A former RCMP officer of 28 years, his priorities include public safety, responsible growth, property rights, affordability, and advocacy for youth and seniors. Website: richmondstrong.ca

Bicego, a lifelong Richmond resident running with the Richmond Forward Team, is a licensed residential builder with more than 30 years of experience in municipal government, infrastructure, construction and community development. He supports responsible spending, maintaining and improving critical infrastructure, protecting agricultural land, community safety and value for taxpayers. Website: richmondforward.ca

Brahem is running with the Conservative party. The City of Richmond website did not publish further information about the candidate.

Chen is running with the We Are Richmond slate and has more than 20 years of building and engineering experience. His work has included construction management for three Canada Line stations, as well as Richmond townhouse and high-rise projects, and has extended elsewhere in the province. His platform includes government accountability, public safety, lower taxes, property rights, economic growth, transportation, and support for families, seniors and youth. Website: wearerichmond.ca

Cheung works as a personal trainer for the City of Richmond and is a union representative and organizer with CUPE 718. He holds a master’s degree in law and economics and a master of laws, and is interested in how emerging technology can support developing industries and businesses, agricultural production, fair competition and food security. Website: richmondcitizens.ca/alton-cheung

Software engineer Chiu is running with the Richmond Common Sense team. A former Richmond school trustee and MP for Steveston-Richmond East, he supports the team’s 12 practical solutions for a safer, healthier and more prosperous Richmond, as well as responsive municipal government. Website: richmondcommonsense.ca

Cruz works in real estate and wants Richmond to be a city where families, seniors, youth and future generations can thrive. His priorities include safety, support for seniors and youth, and improved and expanded recreation opportunities.

Day has served as a Richmond city councillor since 2014 and operated a sign business for more than 40 years before entering politics. She led campaigns to protect Richmond farmland, oppose jet-fuel tanker traffic on the Fraser River, and promote affordable, purpose-built rental housing. Running with RITE Richmond, she continues to focus on housing affordability, environmental protection and resident engagement. Website: riterichmond.ca

Dhillon is a lifelong Richmond resident, husband, father, youth advocate and community leader. As a youth support worker at McNair Secondary and coordinator of the Richmond Youth Basketball League, he works with young people, families, educators, coaches and volunteers. He is campaigning on safe neighbourhoods, accessible recreation, connected communities, transportation and welcoming public spaces. Website: JessyforRichmondBC.ca

Jerome Dickey has more than 20 years of leadership and management experience, with a background in governance, emergency management and conflict resolution. He says he will champion responsible spending and accountability, safe and strong neighbourhoods, responsible housing and growth, and a better quality of life in Richmond. Website: riterichmond.com/jerome-dickey/

Dobrer is running with the Conservative party. The City of Richmond website did not publish further information about the candidate.

Fan immigrated from Hong Kong and says volunteering helps build Richmond. He has volunteered with the Royal Canadian Army Cadets for more than 15 years and supported veterans and The Salvation Army Harbour Light. He received a King Charles III Coronation Medal through Volunteer Canada and is focused on volunteering, anti-drug efforts, heritage preservation and accountable governance.

Flintoff is a former professional engineer with decades of experience in engineering, regulation, public administration, compliance and governance oversight. He has held roles with the BC Ombudsperson and the BC Utilities Commission. A Richmond resident for 52 years, he is running independently on financial accountability, transparency and evidence-based city council decision-making. Website: votemate.org/bc2026/candidates/13465

First-time council candidate Gill is a lifelong Richmond resident and optometrist. He has volunteered as a coach with Richmond United Football Club for six years and served two years on its board of directors. He says he will listen to residents, support strong neighbourhoods and help build a Richmond that families are proud to call home. Website: richmondunited.ca