Key Facts
Following the passing of Wakayama Governor Shuhei Kishimoto on April 15, the Wakayama gubernatorial election is set to take place, with the official campaign period beginning on May 15 and voting scheduled for June 1. On April 26, the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) Wakayama Prefectural Federation held a board meeting in Wakayama City, where they unanimously decided to endorse Vice Governor Izumi Miyazaki, aged 66, as their candidate. Miyazaki is expected to formally announce his candidacy soon, and the federation plans to submit a recommendation to the LDP headquarters.
The decision to back Miyazaki comes amidst concerns over potential divisions within the conservative vote base, which have been evident in recent elections. Last fall, the Wakayama 2nd District House of Representatives election saw a split among conservative candidates, and a similar scenario is anticipated in this summer’s Wakayama constituency election for the House of Councillors. However, the unanimous support for Miyazaki in the gubernatorial race suggests that the LDP aims to avoid further fragmentation in this election.
Miyazaki has a long history of public service in Wakayama Prefecture. He began his career as a prefectural government employee in 1982, later serving in key roles such as Personnel Division Manager and Governor’s Office Director. In 2019, he was appointed Superintendent of Education, and on April 1, 2025, he assumed the position of Vice Governor. Following Kishimoto’s passing, senior members of the LDP prefectural federation approached Miyazaki about running for governor, and he agreed to their request.
This election will determine the successor to Kishimoto, who had been serving as governor prior to his death. The LDP’s unified backing of Miyazaki reflects their strategic effort to maintain stability and cohesion within the party during this critical election period.
Summary
Following the death of Wakayama Governor Shuhei Kishimoto on April 15, the Wakayama gubernatorial election will officially begin its campaign period on May 15, with voting scheduled for June 1. On April 26, the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) Wakayama Prefectural Federation unanimously endorsed Vice Governor Izumi Miyazaki, 66, as their candidate during a board meeting in Wakayama City. Miyazaki is expected to formally announce his candidacy soon, and the federation plans to submit a recommendation to the LDP headquarters.
Miyazaki has served in various key roles within the Wakayama Prefectural Government since joining in 1982, including Personnel Division Manager, Governor’s Office Director, and Superintendent of Education in 2019. He was appointed Vice Governor on April 1, 2025. Following Kishimoto’s passing, senior LDP members approached Miyazaki to run for governor, and he agreed.
The LDP’s decision to back Miyazaki reflects an effort to prevent divisions within the conservative vote base, which have been a concern in recent elections. Unlike the split seen in last fall’s Wakayama 2nd District House of Representatives election, the unanimous support for Miyazaki aims to ensure party unity in this critical gubernatorial race.
