Yi-Kang Hu, Tigard's current mayor, is running for a full term in the Nov. 3, 2026, general election. The nonpartisan seat oversees the city in Washington County.
Hu told Surround Sound News that controlling costs and improving affordability is his top priority. He said residents face rising housing costs, utility bills, taxes and fees. The city must use existing resources carefully while protecting essential services, he said.
Candidate information
Party registration: Democrat (the mayor's office is nonpartisan)
Family: Hu and his husband, Abram, have been together for 25 years and have lived in Tigard for more than 20 years.
Background: Born in Taiwan, Hu immigrated to the United States with his family as a child.
Education: Bachelor's in biochemistry and molecular biology, Reed College (1995); doctorate in biochemistry and molecular biology, Oregon Health & Science University (2001); J.D., Lewis & Clark Law School (2004)
Occupation: Attorney at Spectra Law Group LLC, where he focuses on federal food and drug regulation. He previously worked as a research scientist and has held positions at K&L Gates, the Oregon Department of Justice and the Oregon Law Center, according to his city biography.
Experience and public service
Hu served seven years on the Tigard Planning Commission and three years on the Tigard Transportation Advisory Committee before winning a seat on the Tigard City Council in 2022, he said in his questionnaire response. He became mayor in 2025.
He has also served on the Tigard-Lake Oswego Joint Water Partnership Oversight Committee, the Town Center Advisory Commission, the Community Homelessness Assessment & Response Team and the Tigard Chamber of Commerce Diversity and Community Engagement Committee, according to his city biography. He served on the Oregon Board of Naturopathic Medicine.
On the issues
Affordability and fiscal management: Hu said he closed a $6.5 million budget shortfall since taking office without sacrificing core services. He said he oversaw the hiring of a new city manager, adopted Tigard's first Economic Development Strategic Plan and expanded local housing options. He called cost control his top priority.
Public safety: Hu listed keeping Tigard safe as a central goal. He said he wants to continue supporting parks and the library alongside safety efforts.
Transportation: Hu said his public service began with a desire to make streets safer for people walking and biking. He said he has championed Safe Routes to School and Safe Streets for All programs.
Local economy: Hu said he will work to strengthen the local economy and continue pursuing outside funding and coordinating services with regional partners.
Endorsements: Hu has received endorsements from state Rep. Ben Bowman, state Sen. Courtney Neron Misslin and state Rep. Sue Rieke Smith, Tigard Life reported. Washington County Commissioner Jason Snider and Tigard City Council members Jeanette Shaw, Jake Schlack and Maureen Wolf have also endorsed him.
What sets him apart: "I bring experience in this job, a record of results, and strong relationships across the region," Hu said in his questionnaire response. He pointed to his seven years on the Planning Commission and his council service as preparation for the mayor's office.
The general election is Nov. 3, 2026.
Responses are based on public data and answers to a Surround Sound Media questionnaire if they were provided.
