---
title: "Henry Yao: candidate for MLA in Richmond Centre, BC provincial 2026 | voche.me"
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  description: "Henry Yao was the BC NDP MLA for Richmond South Centre from 2020 to 2024 and lost Richmond Centre to the Conservative candidate in 2024. In 2026 he declare..."
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  "og:title": "Henry Yao: candidate for MLA in Richmond Centre, BC provincial 2026"
  "twitter:description": "Henry Yao was the BC NDP MLA for Richmond South Centre from 2020 to 2024 and lost Richmond Centre to the Conservative candidate in 2024. In 2026 he declare..."
  "twitter:title": "Henry Yao: candidate for MLA in Richmond Centre, BC provincial 2026"
---

**

MLA in Richmond Centre · BC provincial 2026

# Henry Yao

Former MLA for Richmond South Centre, running again for the BC NDP in Richmond Centre.

Henry Yao was the BC NDP MLA for Richmond South Centre from 2020 to 2024 and lost Richmond Centre to the Conservative candidate in 2024. In 2026 he declared for mayor of Richmond, then withdrew and entered the provincial race. voche.me found no 2026 platform of his own on 2026-10-01.

Explore the record  Public schedule 

Researched by voche.me · Not a campaign-authored page

BC NDP2026

![Henry Yao, from his 2024 BC NDP campaign page.](https://voche.me/bc/provincial-2026/images/candidates/henry-yao-640.webp)

*Henry YaoMLAv.*

[Image: BC NDP campaign](https://web.archive.org/web/20240908021704/https://henryyao.bcndp.ca/)

Candidate research / October 1, 2026

A researched record of Henry Yao's candidacy in Richmond Centre: 13 commitments, most of them BC NDP platform text or statements from his 2020 to 2024 term, 12 recorded votes from that term, 5 public statements and 4 news items.

**13**Commitments **12**Programs **4**News articles **27**Sources

Public schedule / Through election day

## Where can you hear Henry Yao?

No campaign event for Henry Yao was confirmed by an organizer on 2026-10-01. The dates below are voting days.

Checked October 1, 2026 · All event times are Pacific time. Recheck the organizer before travelling.

- [2026 provincial general election: key dates](https://elections.bc.ca/2026-provincial-election/)Official record · Elections BC

<details>

<summary>View every date through Oct 24

</summary>

1. Oct 9No appearance confirmed
2. Oct 10No appearance confirmed
3. Oct 11No appearance confirmed
4. Oct 12No appearance confirmed
5. Oct 13No appearance confirmed
6. Oct 14No appearance confirmed
7. Oct 15No appearance confirmed
8. Oct 16<a href="#event-advance-voting">Voting day </a>
9. Oct 17No appearance confirmed
10. Oct 18No appearance confirmed
11. Oct 19No appearance confirmed
12. Oct 20No appearance confirmed
13. Oct 21No appearance confirmed
14. Oct 22No appearance confirmed
15. Oct 23No appearance confirmed
16. Oct 24<a href="#event-election-day">Voting day </a>

</details>

### Voting dates

- Oct 16Advance voting begins
- Oct 24General voting day

At official British Columbia voting places. These dates apply to every voter and are not candidate appearances. [Find your voting place](https://elections.bc.ca/2026-provincial-election/where-to-vote/)

- [2026 provincial general election: key dates](https://elections.bc.ca/2026-provincial-election/)Official record · Elections BC

On dates without a confirmed appearance the public schedule is unknown; the candidate may still have activities that day. This static page changes only when its research is updated.

01 / Introduction

## About Henry Yao

Henry Yao is the BC NDP candidate in Richmond Centre on Elections BC's list of accepted nominations, in the copy stamped October 1, 2026 10:00:06 PM. The same copy lists Sacha Peter for the Conservative Party and Lawrence Chen with the affiliation CWP in the district.

Yao won Richmond South Centre in 2020 with 6,743 votes, 50.67% of the valid vote, ahead of Alexa Loo of the BC Liberals with 6,564, according to the Elections BC statement of votes. In 2024 he ran in Richmond Centre and came second with 5,961 votes, 36.78%. Hon Chan of the Conservative Party won with 8,426 votes, 51.99%.

The legislature's member record lists him for the 42nd Parliament only, for Richmond South Centre, with election year 2020 and no cabinet or other roles. He is not a member of the current legislature, and the 2026 speech and vote indexes have no entry for him. voche.me found no government release naming him to a cabinet or parliamentary secretary post on 2026-10-01.

His member page at the legislature says he was born in Taiwan, moved to Richmond when he was young, worked with young people for more than ten years, and co-founded the Dialogue Richmond Society. Richmond News reports that he holds a psychology degree from the University of British Columbia and ran twice for Richmond City Council without being elected. voche.me did not check these points with the university, the society or the City's past results.

The City of Richmond's declaration of candidates of September 11, 2026 lists him for mayor. On September 21, 2026 Richmond News reported that he had withdrawn, according to the City. He told the paper on September 24 that he entered the mayor's race after negative comments about the Aster Place social housing complex, and that the early provincial election was needed.

Read the sources 

Promises / Commitments and evidence

## Commitments and the available evidence.

Published positions and selected commitments, separated by election cycle. Status labels describe the evidence reviewed, not a numerical score or a complete audit of the platform. Council approval is different from delivery.

13 commitments shown · Checked Oct 1

2026 · GovernanceCampaign pledge

### Why he moved to the provincial race

Richmond News reported on September 24, 2026 that Yao said the early provincial election was needed because of the uncertainty the province faces from "external threats", and that he would respect the voters' choice.

<details>

<summary>Evidence &amp; next checks

</summary>

<dl>

<dt>Evidence reviewed</dt>
<dd>Reporting that gives his reasons for running. It names no measure, cost or date.</dd>

<dt>What still needs checking</dt>
<dd>Does Yao publish his own platform for Richmond Centre?</dd></dl></details>



- [B.C. Votes: Two Richmond Conservative incumbents running in Oct. 24 election](https://www.richmond-news.com/2026-bc-votes/two-richmond-bc-conservative-incumbents-running-in-oct-24-election-12819524)Reporting · Richmond News · Maria Rantanen

2026 · GovernanceCampaign pledge

### Civil debate in Richmond politics (mayoral campaign)

As a candidate for mayor, Yao wrote on Facebook, as quoted by Richmond News on July 28, 2026, that policy disagreements had too often turned into anger and personal attacks. Richmond News summarized his platform as more respect and calm in city politics.

<details>

<summary>Evidence &amp; next checks

</summary>

<dl>

<dt>Evidence reviewed</dt>
<dd>A statement from his withdrawn campaign for mayor, about city politics. It sets out no provincial measure.</dd>

<dt>What still needs checking</dt>
<dd>Does he say how he would carry this into the legislature?</dd></dl></details>



- [Another former Richmond MLA joins growing field of mayoral candidates](https://www.richmond-news.com/local-news/another-former-richmond-mla-joins-growing-field-of-mayoral-candidates-2026-12602394)Reporting · Richmond News · Maria Rantanen
- [Here's who running in Richmond come election time in October](https://www.richmond-news.com/local-news/heres-who-running-in-richmond-come-election-time-in-october-12771026)Reporting · Richmond News · John Kurucz

2026 · HousingCampaign pledge

### BC NDP housing plan

The BC NDP platform page says the party removed local zoning barriers so that 300,000 more middle-class homes can be built, and promises to keep stopping speculators. The page does not name Yao.

<details>

<summary>Evidence &amp; next checks

</summary>

<dl>

<dt>Evidence reviewed</dt>
<dd>Party text. voche.me found no 2026 statement by Yao on housing.</dd>

<dt>What still needs checking</dt>
<dd>Does Yao speak on housing in Richmond Centre during the campaign?</dd></dl></details>



- [BC NDP platform page, Action for You](https://www.bcndp.ca/action-for-you)Campaign · BC NDP

2026 · Public servicesCampaign pledge

### BC NDP health care position

The BC NDP platform page says one million more people have been connected to a family doctor since 2018, and that the party will keep recruiting and training doctors, nurses and other health workers. The page does not name Yao.

<details>

<summary>Evidence &amp; next checks

</summary>

<dl>

<dt>Evidence reviewed</dt>
<dd>Party text. voche.me found no 2026 statement by Yao on health care.</dd>

<dt>What still needs checking</dt>
<dd>Does Yao speak on Richmond Hospital or doctors during the campaign?</dd></dl></details>



- [BC NDP platform page, Action for You](https://www.bcndp.ca/action-for-you)Campaign · BC NDP

2026 · HousingCampaign pledge

### BC NDP help with daily costs

The BC NDP platform page lists protection from rising costs as a heading, and names lower ICBC car insurance rates, child care costs cut in half and low electricity rates. The page does not name Yao.

<details>

<summary>Evidence &amp; next checks

</summary>

<dl>

<dt>Evidence reviewed</dt>
<dd>Party text. voche.me found no 2026 statement by Yao with a cost of living measure.</dd>

<dt>What still needs checking</dt>
<dd>Does Yao name a cost of living measure during the campaign?</dd></dl></details>



- [BC NDP platform page, Action for You](https://www.bcndp.ca/action-for-you)Campaign · BC NDP

2026 · Public safetyCampaign pledge

### BC NDP public safety position

The BC NDP platform page says the Province has hired more than 250 more RCMP officers and added 240 police training seats, and lists stronger bail laws and action on extortion. The page does not name Yao.

<details>

<summary>Evidence &amp; next checks

</summary>

<dl>

<dt>Evidence reviewed</dt>
<dd>Party text. voche.me found no 2026 statement by Yao on public safety.</dd>

<dt>What still needs checking</dt>
<dd>Does Yao speak on public safety during the campaign?</dd></dl></details>



- [BC NDP platform page, Action for You](https://www.bcndp.ca/action-for-you)Campaign · BC NDP

2026 · EconomyCampaign pledge

### BC NDP economy position

The BC NDP platform page lists jobs and opportunity as a heading, with $130 billion in major projects and a plan to double skilled trades training. The page does not name Yao.

<details>

<summary>Evidence &amp; next checks

</summary>

<dl>

<dt>Evidence reviewed</dt>
<dd>Party text. voche.me found no 2026 statement by Yao on jobs or the economy.</dd>

<dt>What still needs checking</dt>
<dd>Does Yao name an economic measure for Richmond during the campaign?</dd></dl></details>



- [BC NDP platform page, Action for You](https://www.bcndp.ca/action-for-you)Campaign · BC NDP

2026 · EducationCampaign pledge

### BC NDP education position

The BC NDP platform page says the party is hiring teachers and building schools, with 250 new or upgraded schools complete or underway. The page does not name Yao.

<details>

<summary>Evidence &amp; next checks

</summary>

<dl>

<dt>Evidence reviewed</dt>
<dd>Party text. voche.me found no 2026 statement by Yao on schools.</dd>

<dt>What still needs checking</dt>
<dd>Does Yao speak on Richmond schools during the campaign?</dd></dl></details>



- [BC NDP platform page, Action for You](https://www.bcndp.ca/action-for-you)Campaign · BC NDP

2026 · ClimateCampaign pledge

### BC NDP environment position

The BC NDP platform page lists protecting air, land and water as a heading, with stronger environmental assessment and First Nations Guardian programs. The page does not name Yao.

<details>

<summary>Evidence &amp; next checks

</summary>

<dl>

<dt>Evidence reviewed</dt>
<dd>Party text. voche.me found no 2026 statement by Yao on climate or the environment.</dd>

<dt>What still needs checking</dt>
<dd>Does Yao speak on climate during the campaign?</dd></dl></details>



- [BC NDP platform page, Action for You](https://www.bcndp.ca/action-for-you)Campaign · BC NDP

Earlier term · Public servicesNot established

### Richmond Hospital expansion (2024 statement)

In the budget debate on February 28, 2024, Yao said the Richmond Hospital expansion was under construction and would have cost less if it had been built ten or 15 years earlier.

<details>

<summary>Evidence &amp; next checks

</summary>

<dl>

<dt>Evidence reviewed</dt>
<dd>A statement from his earlier term. It gives no cost or completion date, and voche.me did not check the project's current status.</dd>

<dt>What still needs checking</dt>
<dd>What is the current completion date of the Richmond Hospital expansion?</dd></dl></details>



- [Debates of February 28, 2024 (afternoon): budget debate](https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Debates/42nd5th/20240228pm-Hansard-n385.html)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard

Earlier term · Public servicesNot established

### Train more doctors and nurses (2024 statement)

In a debate on March 11, 2024, Yao spoke for the new medical school at Simon Fraser University and for 14 new medical seats and 88 new resident seats at UBC, and said health workers take years to train.

<details>

<summary>Evidence &amp; next checks

</summary>

<dl>

<dt>Evidence reviewed</dt>
<dd>A statement from his earlier term about government programs. He did not state a new measure of his own.</dd>

<dt>What still needs checking</dt>
<dd>Does he repeat this position in 2026?</dd></dl></details>



- [Debates of March 11, 2024 (morning): motion on health care workers](https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Debates/42nd5th/20240311am-Hansard-n395.html)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard

Earlier term · Public safetyNot established

### No drug use in hospitals (2024 statement)

On April 29, 2024, replying to a statement by Teresa Wat, Yao said drug use is not allowed in hospitals and that the government was not setting aside hospital space for overdose prevention sites in Richmond or elsewhere.

<details>

<summary>Evidence &amp; next checks

</summary>

<dl>

<dt>Evidence reviewed</dt>
<dd>A statement from his earlier term on government policy. It names no new measure, cost or date.</dd>

<dt>What still needs checking</dt>
<dd>Does he state a public safety position in 2026?</dd></dl></details>



- [Debates of April 29, 2024 (morning): statement on Richmond Hospital and his response](https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Debates/42nd5th/20240429am-Hansard-n421.html)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard

Earlier term · HousingNot established

### Home-flipping tax (2024 statement)

In the budget debate on February 28, 2024, Yao said he was glad the government was bringing in a tax on homes resold quickly, and named the speculation and vacancy tax and the first-time home buyer program as other tools.

<details>

<summary>Evidence &amp; next checks

</summary>

<dl>

<dt>Evidence reviewed</dt>
<dd>A statement from his earlier term on government measures.</dd>

<dt>What still needs checking</dt>
<dd>Does he state a housing position in 2026?</dd></dl></details>



- [Debates of February 28, 2024 (afternoon): budget debate](https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Debates/42nd5th/20240228pm-Hansard-n385.html)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard

City programs / Scope and delivery

## Policies, budgets & programs

Recorded votes from his term as MLA for Richmond South Centre, from the legislature's vote indexes. A vote is listed only where the index names him.

Mar 5Recorded vote, yes

### Voted yes on the 2024 budget motion

The 2024 vote index and the transcript of March 5, 2024 list Yao among the 53 members who voted yes on the budget motion.

<details>

<summary>Scope, limits and sources

</summary>

The motion was that the Speaker leave the Chair so the House could go into Committee of Supply to debate spending.

</details>

- [Index of recorded votes by member, 2024, entry for Henry Yao](https://api.lims.leg.bc.ca/hdms/file/Index/42nd5th/2024-Votesy.htm)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard
- [Debates of March 5, 2024 (morning): budget debate and division](https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Debates/42nd5th/20240305am-Hansard-n390.html)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard

Nov 29Recorded vote, yes

### Voted yes on third reading of Bill 44, the Housing Statutes (Residential Development) Amendment Act, 2023

The 2023 vote index lists Yao voting yes at second and third reading, and no on two amendments moved by Olsen and Walker.

<details>

<summary>Scope, limits and sources

</summary>

voche.me did not read the bill or the debate.

</details>

- [Index of recorded votes by member, 2023, entry for Henry Yao](https://api.lims.leg.bc.ca/hdms/file/Index/42nd4th/2023-Votesy.htm)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard

Nov 29Recorded vote, yes

### Voted yes on third reading of Bill 46, the Housing Statutes (Development Financing) Amendment Act, 2023

The 2023 vote index lists Yao voting yes at second and third reading.

<details>

<summary>Scope, limits and sources

</summary>

voche.me did not read the bill or the debate.

</details>

- [Index of recorded votes by member, 2023, entry for Henry Yao](https://api.lims.leg.bc.ca/hdms/file/Index/42nd4th/2023-Votesy.htm)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard

Oct 26Recorded vote, yes

### Voted yes on third reading of Bill 35, the Short-Term Rental Accommodations Act

The 2023 vote index lists Yao voting yes at second and third reading, and no on four amendments moved by Kirkpatrick.

<details>

<summary>Scope, limits and sources

</summary>

voche.me did not read the amendments.

</details>

- [Index of recorded votes by member, 2023, entry for Henry Yao](https://api.lims.leg.bc.ca/hdms/file/Index/42nd4th/2023-Votesy.htm)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard

Oct 25Recorded vote, yes

### Voted yes on third reading of Bill 36, the Police Amendment Act, 2023

The 2023 vote index lists Yao voting yes at second and third reading.

<details>

<summary>Scope, limits and sources

</summary>

voche.me did not read the bill or the debate.

</details>

- [Index of recorded votes by member, 2023, entry for Henry Yao](https://api.lims.leg.bc.ca/hdms/file/Index/42nd4th/2023-Votesy.htm)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard

Nov 8Recorded vote, yes

### Voted yes on third reading of Bill 34, the Restricting Public Consumption of Illegal Substances Act

The 2023 vote index lists Yao voting yes at third reading.

<details>

<summary>Scope, limits and sources

</summary>

In April 2024 Yao said in the legislature that this law was held up in court.

</details>

- [Index of recorded votes by member, 2023, entry for Henry Yao](https://api.lims.leg.bc.ca/hdms/file/Index/42nd4th/2023-Votesy.htm)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard
- [Debates of April 29, 2024 (morning): statement on Richmond Hospital and his response](https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Debates/42nd5th/20240429am-Hansard-n421.html)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard

Nov 9Recorded vote, yes

### Voted yes on third reading of Bill 39, the Zero-Emission Vehicles Amendment Act, 2023

The 2023 vote index lists Yao voting yes at second and third reading.

<details>

<summary>Scope, limits and sources

</summary>

voche.me did not read the bill or the debate.

</details>

- [Index of recorded votes by member, 2023, entry for Henry Yao](https://api.lims.leg.bc.ca/hdms/file/Index/42nd4th/2023-Votesy.htm)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard

Feb 13Recorded vote, yes

### Voted yes on second reading of Bill 2, the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Act

The 2023 vote index lists Yao voting yes at second reading on February 13 and on the committee report on February 16, 2023.

<details>

<summary>Scope, limits and sources

</summary>

voche.me did not read the debate.

</details>

- [Index of recorded votes by member, 2023, entry for Henry Yao](https://api.lims.leg.bc.ca/hdms/file/Index/42nd4th/2023-Votesy.htm)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard

Nov 22Recorded vote, yes

### Voted yes on second reading of Bill 48, the Labour Statutes Amendment Act, 2023

The 2023 vote index lists Yao voting yes at second reading and on the committee report.

<details>

<summary>Scope, limits and sources

</summary>

voche.me did not read the bill or the debate.

</details>

- [Index of recorded votes by member, 2023, entry for Henry Yao](https://api.lims.leg.bc.ca/hdms/file/Index/42nd4th/2023-Votesy.htm)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard

Mar 6Recorded vote, yes

### Voted yes on the Health Ministry supplementary estimates

The 2023 vote index lists Yao voting yes on the motion for the Health Ministry supplementary estimates.

<details>

<summary>Scope, limits and sources

</summary>

Supplementary estimates are extra spending added during the year. voche.me did not read the amount.

</details>

- [Index of recorded votes by member, 2023, entry for Henry Yao](https://api.lims.leg.bc.ca/hdms/file/Index/42nd4th/2023-Votesy.htm)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard

Apr 4Recorded vote, no

### Voted no on referring the CleanBC Go Electric program to the Auditor General

The 2024 vote index lists Yao voting no on a motion without notice to refer the program's administration to the Auditor General for review.

<details>

<summary>Scope, limits and sources

</summary>

voche.me did not read the debate, so the reasons for the vote are not given here.

</details>

- [Index of recorded votes by member, 2024, entry for Henry Yao](https://api.lims.leg.bc.ca/hdms/file/Index/42nd5th/2024-Votesy.htm)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard

Nov 1Recorded vote, yes

### Voted yes on third reading of Bill 31, the Emergency and Disaster Management Act

The 2023 vote index lists Yao voting yes at third reading.

<details>

<summary>Scope, limits and sources

</summary>

voche.me did not read the bill, so it is not scored here.

</details>

- [Index of recorded votes by member, 2023, entry for Henry Yao](https://api.lims.leg.bc.ca/hdms/file/Index/42nd4th/2023-Votesy.htm)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard

Recent appearances / Read and watch

## Talks, interviews & statements

Read original statements and reporting, or open the publisher’s video. A summary of a speech is labelled separately from a full recording.

Sep 24Interview

### Comments to Richmond News on leaving the mayor's race

Yao told Richmond News he left the mayor's race to run provincially, called the decision hard, and said the early election was needed.

- [B.C. Votes: Two Richmond Conservative incumbents running in Oct. 24 election](https://www.richmond-news.com/2026-bc-votes/two-richmond-bc-conservative-incumbents-running-in-oct-24-election-12819524)Reporting · Richmond News · Maria Rantanen

Feb 28Speech

### Speech in the 2024 budget debate

Yao defended the 2024 budget. He spoke on the Richmond Hospital expansion, training doctors and nurses, mental health and housing taxes.

- [Debates of February 28, 2024 (afternoon): budget debate](https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Debates/42nd5th/20240228pm-Hansard-n385.html)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard

Mar 11Speech

### Speech on a motion about health care workers

Yao spoke against the opposition motion's account of the doctor shortage and named new medical training seats.

- [Debates of March 11, 2024 (morning): motion on health care workers](https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Debates/42nd5th/20240311am-Hansard-n395.html)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard

Apr 29Statement

### Reply to a statement on Richmond Hospital and drug use

Yao said drug use is not allowed in hospitals and no hospital space would be set aside for overdose prevention sites.

- [Debates of April 29, 2024 (morning): statement on Richmond Hospital and his response](https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Debates/42nd5th/20240429am-Hansard-n421.html)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard

May 16Statement

### Statement on his four years for Richmond South Centre

Yao thanked his constituents and listed projects in his district, including school seats, two urgent care centres and the Richmond Hospital expansion.

- [Debates of May 16, 2024 (morning): statement on Richmond South Centre](https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Debates/42nd5th/20240516am-Hansard-n440.html)Official record · Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard

Accountability / Findings, disputes and responses

## Controversies & public scrutiny

Records are labelled by type, including official findings, civil proceedings and political disputes where applicable. Each entry identifies the response found in the sources and the latest status verified for this page.

No reviewed entries have been added to this section yet. This is a research gap, not a finding about the candidate.

News coverage / Original publishers

## Read the reporting

A dated reading list from independent publishers. The headings below are voche.me summaries; follow each link for the original article, context and any corrections.

July 28, 2026Reporting

Richmond News · Maria Rantanen

### Former MLA joins the race for Richmond mayor

Reports that Yao resumed his campaign for mayor after the Aster Place debate, and gives his 2020 and 2024 results.

- [Another former Richmond MLA joins growing field of mayoral candidates](https://www.richmond-news.com/local-news/another-former-richmond-mla-joins-growing-field-of-mayoral-candidates-2026-12602394)Reporting · Richmond News · Maria Rantanen

September 21, 2026Reporting

Richmond News · Maria Rantanen

### Yao withdraws from the mayoral race

Reports, citing the City of Richmond, that Yao withdrew his nomination for mayor.

- [Former MLA Henry Yao withdraws from Richmond mayoral race](https://www.richmond-news.com/2026-civic-election/former-mla-henry-yao-withdraws-from-richmond-bc-mayoral-race-12804643)Reporting · Richmond News · Maria Rantanen

September 24, 2026Reporting

Richmond News · Maria Rantanen

### Two Richmond Conservative incumbents running

Reports that Yao left the mayor's race to run provincially, with his comments.

- [B.C. Votes: Two Richmond Conservative incumbents running in Oct. 24 election](https://www.richmond-news.com/2026-bc-votes/two-richmond-bc-conservative-incumbents-running-in-oct-24-election-12819524)Reporting · Richmond News · Maria Rantanen

October 1, 2026Reporting

Richmond News · Maria Rantanen

### More candidates line up for Richmond ridings

Reports that Elections BC lists Yao as the NDP candidate for Richmond Centre.

- [B.C. Votes: More candidates line up for Richmond ridings](https://www.richmond-news.com/2026-civic-election/bc-votes-conservatives-line-up-candidates-for-richmond-bc-ridings-12847732)Reporting · Richmond News · Maria Rantanen

Research / 27 linked sources

## Check the evidence

Sources checked October 1, 2026. Official records establish decisions; campaign material establishes stated positions; reporting adds investigation and context. None alone establishes every claim.

<details>

<summary>Official record 17 sources

</summary>

- <a href="https://www.elections.bc.ca/docs/fin/GE-2026-10-24-Candidate-Website-Report.PDF">Provincial candidate list, 2026 general election </a>

  Elections BC
- <a href="https://elections.bc.ca/2026-provincial-election/">2026 provincial general election: key dates </a>

  Elections BC
- <a href="https://elections.bc.ca/docs/rpt/statement-of-votes-2024-provincial-election.pdf">Statement of votes, 2024 provincial general election </a>

  Elections BC
- <a href="https://elections.bc.ca/docs/rpt/statement-of-votes-2020-provincial-general-election.pdf">Statement of votes, 2020 provincial general election </a>

  Elections BC
- <a href="https://www.leg.bc.ca/members">Member record for Henry Yao, 42nd Parliament </a>

  Legislative Assembly of British Columbia
- <a href="https://api.lims.leg.bc.ca/hdms/file/Index/43rd2nd/2026-Members-Indexy.htm">Members index to debates, 2026, letter Y </a>

  Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard
- <a href="https://api.lims.leg.bc.ca/hdms/file/Index/43rd2nd/2026-Votesy.htm">Index of recorded votes by member, 2026, letter Y </a>

  Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard
- <a href="https://api.lims.leg.bc.ca/hdms/file/Index/42nd5th/2024-Members-Indexy.htm">Members index to debates, 2024, entry for Henry Yao </a>

  Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard
- <a href="https://api.lims.leg.bc.ca/hdms/file/Index/42nd5th/2024-Votesy.htm">Index of recorded votes by member, 2024, entry for Henry Yao </a>

  Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard
- <a href="https://api.lims.leg.bc.ca/hdms/file/Index/42nd4th/2023-Votesy.htm">Index of recorded votes by member, 2023, entry for Henry Yao </a>

  Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard
- <a href="https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Debates/42nd5th/20240228pm-Hansard-n385.html">Debates of February 28, 2024 (afternoon): budget debate </a>

  Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard · February 28, 2024
- <a href="https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Debates/42nd5th/20240305am-Hansard-n390.html">Debates of March 5, 2024 (morning): budget debate and division </a>

  Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard · March 5, 2024
- <a href="https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Debates/42nd5th/20240311am-Hansard-n395.html">Debates of March 11, 2024 (morning): motion on health care workers </a>

  Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard · March 11, 2024
- <a href="https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Debates/42nd5th/20240429am-Hansard-n421.html">Debates of April 29, 2024 (morning): statement on Richmond Hospital and his response </a>

  Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard · April 29, 2024
- <a href="https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Debates/42nd5th/20240430am-Hansard-n423.html">Debates of April 30, 2024 (morning): statements by members </a>

  Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard · April 30, 2024
- <a href="https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Debates/42nd5th/20240516am-Hansard-n440.html">Debates of May 16, 2024 (morning): statement on Richmond South Centre </a>

  Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, Hansard · May 16, 2024
- <a href="https://www.richmond.ca/__shared/assets/Declaration_of_Candidates_-_2026_Election79709.pdf">Declaration of candidates, 2026 local general election </a>

  City of Richmond · September 11, 2026

</details>

<details>

<summary>Campaign 5 sources

</summary>

- <a href="https://www.bcndp.ca/candidates">Our BC NDP team: candidate list </a>

  BC NDP
- <a href="https://www.bcndp.ca/action-for-you">BC NDP platform page, Action for You </a>

  BC NDP
- <a href="https://www.bcndp.ca/releases">BC NDP releases page </a>

  BC NDP
- <a href="https://www.bcndp.ca/releases/bc-ndp-nominates-mla-and-community-advocate-henry-yao-richmond-centre-stand-you">BC NDP nominates MLA and community advocate Henry Yao in Richmond Centre </a>

  BC NDP · May 25, 2024
- <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20240908021704/https://henryyao.bcndp.ca/">Henry Yao campaign page, 2024 copy in the Internet Archive </a>

  BC NDP · September 8, 2024

</details>

<details>

<summary>Reporting 5 sources

</summary>

- <a href="https://www.richmond-news.com/local-news/another-former-richmond-mla-joins-growing-field-of-mayoral-candidates-2026-12602394">Another former Richmond MLA joins growing field of mayoral candidates </a>

  Richmond News · Maria Rantanen · July 28, 2026
- <a href="https://www.richmond-news.com/local-news/heres-who-running-in-richmond-come-election-time-in-october-12771026">Here's who running in Richmond come election time in October </a>

  Richmond News · John Kurucz · September 11, 2026
- <a href="https://www.richmond-news.com/2026-civic-election/former-mla-henry-yao-withdraws-from-richmond-bc-mayoral-race-12804643">Former MLA Henry Yao withdraws from Richmond mayoral race </a>

  Richmond News · Maria Rantanen · September 21, 2026
- <a href="https://www.richmond-news.com/2026-bc-votes/two-richmond-bc-conservative-incumbents-running-in-oct-24-election-12819524">B.C. Votes: Two Richmond Conservative incumbents running in Oct. 24 election </a>

  Richmond News · Maria Rantanen · September 24, 2026
- <a href="https://www.richmond-news.com/2026-civic-election/bc-votes-conservatives-line-up-candidates-for-richmond-bc-ridings-12847732">B.C. Votes: More candidates line up for Richmond ridings </a>

  Richmond News · Maria Rantanen · October 1, 2026

</details>

His 2026 campaign page, henryyao.bcndp.ca, sent every request back to itself and showed no page on 2026-10-01, so voche.me read only a 2024 copy kept by the Internet Archive. The BC NDP candidate list held 52 profiles on this date and none for Richmond Centre. voche.me found no 2026 platform or provincial measure of his own. His commitments from 2024 are kept as earlier-term statements and do not count as 2026 positions. An X account named @henryyaormd shows the name Henry Yao with Chinese characters, but its posts need a sign-in and no page voche.me read ties that account to this candidate, so neither the account nor the Chinese name is used. The Facebook page named in Richmond News as his mayoral website shows no readable posts. A Sing Tao article in Chinese about him showed no readable text to a direct read or to the reading tool, so it is not used. Only six transcripts from 2024 were opened. His speeches from 2021 to 2023 and the transcripts behind most recorded votes were not read, and the bills were not read. His membership on legislature committees was not checked. His degree, his youth work and his role in the Dialogue Richmond Society come from his member page and from Richmond News, and were not checked with the university or the society. His two earlier runs for Richmond council are reported by Richmond News; the City's past results were not opened. No 2026 all-candidates meeting for Richmond Centre was found. Campaign finances and endorsements were not reviewed. The questionnaire has not been sent.

Research status

## What voche.me has checked

Evidence reviewed on 2026-10-01: the Elections BC candidate list and the 2020 and 2024 statements of votes, the legislature's member record, the 2026 speech and vote indexes, his 2024 speech index and the 2023 and 2024 vote indexes, six transcripts from 2024, the City of Richmond's 2026 declaration of candidates, the BC NDP candidate list, platform page and releases, and five Richmond News reports.

His 2026 campaign page did not open on this date, and voche.me found no 2026 platform of his own. The commitments below are the BC NDP platform, marked as party text, and his statements in the legislature from his earlier term. Sections with no entry record that voche.me found nothing on this date.

[Members index to debates, 2024](https://www.leg.bc.ca/hansard-content/Index/42nd5th/2024-members-indexmhds.htm) [Recorded votes index, 2023](https://api.lims.leg.bc.ca/hdms/file/Index/42nd4th/2023-Votesy.htm)

03 / Background

## Experience & community

2026

### Candidate for mayor of Richmond, withdrawn

Listed in the City of Richmond declaration of candidates of September 11, 2026. Richmond News reported his withdrawal on September 21, 2026.

[City of Richmond, declaration of candidates](https://www.richmond.ca/__shared/assets/Declaration_of_Candidates_-_2026_Election79709.pdf)

2024

### BC NDP candidate in Richmond Centre

Second with 5,961 votes, 36.78% of the valid vote.

[Elections BC statement of votes, 2024](https://elections.bc.ca/docs/rpt/statement-of-votes-2024-provincial-election.pdf)

2020 to 2024

### MLA for Richmond South Centre

Elected in 2020 with 6,743 votes, 50.67% of the valid vote. The legislature record lists him for the 42nd Parliament.

[Elections BC statement of votes, 2020](https://elections.bc.ca/docs/rpt/statement-of-votes-2020-provincial-general-election.pdf)

04 / Questions & answers

## Questions for the candidate

Proposed questions for a future interview. They have not been sent to the candidate, and no answers have been supplied.

No questions and answers have been supplied.

### Have your own question?

Ask Henry Yao directly. We send it to the campaign, and publish the reply here if we get one.

05 / About this page

## Questions about this page

Facts voche.me can state about Henry Yao's page itself, answered directly rather than left blank.

<details>

<summary>Is this an official page for Henry Yao?</summary>



No. This page is researched by voche.me from public sources, listed below, and is separate from Henry Yao's own campaign.

</details>

<details>

<summary>What party is Henry Yao running with?</summary>



Henry Yao is running for MLA with BC NDP.

</details>

<details>

<summary>Does Henry Yao currently hold public office?</summary>



Not according to this profile. voche.me has not listed a current public office for Henry Yao.

</details>

<details>

<summary>How many sources does this Henry Yao profile cite?</summary>



This profile lists 6 sourced references, each with the date voche.me checked it, in the Sources section below.

</details>

<details>

<summary>Why do some questions on Henry Yao's page show no answer?</summary>



The "Questions &amp; answers" section on this page lists questions voche.me would put to Henry Yao in a future interview. They have not been sent yet, so the page says plainly that no answer has been supplied instead of leaving the section blank.

</details>

<details>

<summary>When is the election Henry Yao is running in?</summary>



The 2026 British Columbia election, including the MLA race, is decided on October 24, 2026.

</details>

06 / Candidate contributions

## Space for campaign updates

### No campaign updates yet

Announcements, event details and messages can be added here, with their source and publication date. No campaign submission has been added.

## Sources & transparency

- [Elections BC · provincial candidate list ](https://www.elections.bc.ca/docs/fin/GE-2026-10-24-Candidate-Website-Report.PDF)Checked October 1, 2026
- [Elections BC · statement of votes, 2024 ](https://elections.bc.ca/docs/rpt/statement-of-votes-2024-provincial-election.pdf)Checked October 1, 2026
- [Elections BC · statement of votes, 2020 ](https://elections.bc.ca/docs/rpt/statement-of-votes-2020-provincial-general-election.pdf)Checked October 1, 2026
- [Legislative Assembly of British Columbia · members ](https://www.leg.bc.ca/members)Checked October 1, 2026
- [City of Richmond · declaration of candidates, 2026 ](https://www.richmond.ca/__shared/assets/Declaration_of_Candidates_-_2026_Election79709.pdf)Checked October 1, 2026
- [Richmond News · B.C. Votes: Two Richmond Conservative incumbents running ](https://www.richmond-news.com/2026-bc-votes/two-richmond-bc-conservative-incumbents-running-in-oct-24-election-12819524)Checked October 1, 2026

Missing information does not imply a candidate’s position. [Read our editorial standards.](https://voche.me/bc/provincial-2026/about)

Campaign contact

## Campaign links & contact.

Verified website, social and contact links will appear here when supplied.

No campaign links supplied yet.

## View more candidates.

[All candidate spaces ](https://voche.me/bc/provincial-2026/candidates)

[MLA**A'aliya Warbus**](https://voche.me/bc/provincial-2026/candidates/a-aliya-warbus) [MLA**Abraham Nordine**](https://voche.me/bc/provincial-2026/candidates/abraham-nordine)

Candidate Q&A

## Ask Henry Yao a question.

Give your name, email and question. We send it to the campaign, and publish their answer here if we get one.

## Sitemap

See the full [sitemap](/bc/provincial-2026/sitemap.md) for all pages.