Xiao Hua Gong is once again running for mayor of Toronto, marking his latest attempt at elected office after several unsuccessful campaigns in recent years.
Gong officially registered as a mayoral candidate on Wednesday, returning to the political spotlight with the same bright blue-and-yellow campaign signs that became highly visible across Toronto during the city’s 2023 mayoral byelection.
The businessman and media owner first entered Toronto politics during the 2023 race following the resignation of former mayor John Tory. Gong finished 11th in that election, receiving approximately 0.4 per cent of the vote.
Since then, he has also run for mayor of Mississauga in 2024 and later sought election as Member of Parliament for Don Valley North during the 2025 federal election, where he received just over 500 votes.
According to previous campaign finance disclosures reported by The Trillium, Gong spent nearly $700,000 during the 2023 Toronto mayoral race, including roughly $400,000 on advertising beyond lawn signs.
In a recent social media post announcing his return, Gong revived his previous campaign slogan urging residents to “rescue Toronto.”
“Costs are rising, stress is high, and things just don’t feel the same,” Gong wrote online. “But I believe we can make Toronto stronger again — together.”
Before entering politics, Gong worked as a theatre director in China before moving to Canada and building businesses in the hospitality and media sectors.
He is the owner of Chinese-language broadcaster Canada National Television and was previously associated with hotel properties in Canada and the United States, including the former Edward Hotel & Convention Center.
Gong’s business background has also attracted controversy.
In 2021, he pleaded guilty to charges related to forged documents and involvement in a pyramid scheme connected to his company, Edward Enterprise International Group Inc., following an investigation by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
That same year, Gong forfeited more than $60 million in a settlement agreement with the government of New Zealand.
Toronto’s next municipal election is scheduled for 2026, with more candidates expected to enter the race in the coming months.