Democratic Party Jeonnam/Gwangju Unified Mayor Primary: Shin Jeong-hoon, Jeong Jun-ho in First Face-Off

On March 17, 2026, at the preliminary nomination joint debate for the Democratic Party's Jeonnam-Gwangju Unified Special Mayor candidacy, candidates Shin Jeong-hoon and Jeong Jun-ho presented their distinct policy proposals and appealed for support. The debate proceeded as a two-way contest between the two candidates following the withdrawal of Lee Gae-ho and Lee Byung-hoon, who protested the nomination method. The Democratic Party is conducting the preliminary nomination over two days, March 18-19, using a 100% vote from party members.

Both candidates presented attracting businesses as their first pledge but showed differing views on how to utilize the government's proposed 20 trillion won in unified incentives over four years. Shin Jeong-hoon stated that one-third of the 20 trillion won incentive would be prioritized for resolving livelihood issues, while Jeong Jun-ho proposed utilizing a total of 30 trillion won by securing an additional 10 trillion won that remained after the unified city plan's failure.

Regarding plans for power infrastructure to attract businesses, the two candidates also presented different approaches. Shin Jeong-hoon said he would create a business attraction environment based on renewable energy, whereas Jeong Jun-ho announced plans to attract businesses by fostering an industrial ecosystem that includes a diverse energy mix, such as small modular reactors (SMRs).

A total of six candidates participated in this preliminary nomination, with the top five advancing to the main election.