Richmond-raised Jenny Mata brings community roots, family-focused platform to council race

ASM, Philippine Canadian Inquirer
October 09, 2026

Photo Courtesy: We Are Richmond

RICHMOND, British Columbia — Jenny Gonzales Mata is turning a lifelong connection to Richmond into a bid for public office as she seeks one of eight seats on City Council in the October 17, 2026 municipal election.

Mata is an official candidate for councillor and is running with We Are Richmond, a local elector organization whose slate is led by mayoral candidate Dickens Cheung. 

Raised in Richmond, Mata enters the race with experience across finance, health care and administration. She is a licensed financial professional and health-care advocate with years of leadership experience managing teams and representing organizations at public and community events.

She is also a mother of four and grandmother of one, giving her campaign a multigenerational perspective on the city where she grew up.

Beyond her professional career, Mata founded Grit and Guide, a women’s empowerment platform centered on mentorship, round-table discussions and community events. The initiative aims to create collaborative spaces where women can connect, exchange experiences and support one another.

Mata is now bringing that community-oriented approach into municipal politics, with her campaign emphasizing transparent governance, operational efficiency and inclusive growth in Richmond.

Her campaign materials also lay out several proposals aimed at keeping residents connected with City Hall and supporting families across different stages of life.

Under a continuous communication initiative, Mata is proposing monthly town hall meet-ups to give residents regular opportunities to raise concerns and discuss community issues.

For older residents, her campaign is proposing a senior citizens card intended to provide discounts for seniors.

Her platform also includes a proposal focused on children’s growth and development, under which school-age children would be able to access one free class per season at community centres.

The proposals add more specific initiatives to Mata’s broader commitment to making local government accessible and responsive to residents.

“I am running for City Council in Richmond and am dedicated to serving our community,” Mata said in her campaign statement.

“My commitment is to foster a more vibrant and prosperous future for all residents. I believe in transparent governance and collaborative problem-solving to address our shared challenges.”

Her candidacy has also been highlighted in discussions around Filipino representation in Richmond politics.

In a public post recognizing the contributions of Richmond’s Filipino community, Cheung included Mata alongside fellow candidates Antonio “Tony” Ortega and Mario Cruz while expressing support for Filipino representation on the next Richmond City Council.

For Mata, the campaign brings together several parts of a life rooted in Richmond – her professional background, family experience, women’s advocacy and community involvement – with a bid to help shape the city’s future.

Mata said she wants to listen to residents’ concerns and ideas and bring a fresh perspective to City Hall.

Richmond voters will elect one mayor, eight councillors and seven school trustees on October 17. Advance voting will be held on October 3, 7, 8, 9 and 10.