FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Langley Strong Unveils Mayoral Candidate as Four Sitting Township Councillors Join Team

Jay Lundgren and incumbent councillors offer voters the track record, the values, and the plan to put Langley back on a positive path forward.

May 5, 2026, Langley, BC — Langley Strong is officially entering the October 17, 2026 municipal election with a unified leadership team. Local business and community leader Jay Lundgren will lead the team as candidate for mayor, joined by four sitting Township Councillors: Barb Martens, Blair Whitmarsh, Kim Richter, and Margaret Kunst. The team combines decades of council experience with fresh leadership at the top of the ticket.

Lundgren’s roots in Langley Township run deep. This is where he grew up and attended school, and it is where he and his wife, Melissa, are now raising their four children. As the VP of Business Development & Partnerships at Agency Media and a partner at both Ava.ai and Coastal Drone, Jay brings a modern, entrepreneurial perspective to the Langley Strong team.

His business expertise, combined with his background in Business Administration, is matched only by his commitment to the next generation. Jay has mentored over 600 young athletes as a volunteer coach with the Elevate Basketball Club, Langley Girls Academy, Valley Ball Hockey, Langley Baseball, as well as various high school teams. A former VP of Marketing & Philanthropy for Habitat for Humanity, Jay is a seasoned communicator who has emceed and helped raise millions for local causes, including Heroes Invitational, Canucks Alumni, Wagner Hills Farm, and Centra Cares. His unique blend of local history, business leadership, and community service forms the foundation for a more engaged and prosperous Langley.

“Langley is not simply a place where I live, work, and raise my family; it’s the place that shaped me and the one I am now stepping forward to serve. I’m running for mayor to build a Township that benefits everyone while preserving the Langley we love for generations to come,” said Lundgren. “Our team shares a collective vision for collaborative, accountable leadership and restoring transparency at Township Hall. There’s a lot of work ahead, and I’m excited to get started.”

Langley Strong’s platform stands on three core pillars: fiscal responsibility, transparent governance, and community wellbeing. Together, they reflect our commitment to redefining the relationship between the Township and the public, community groups, and neighbouring local governments, moving away from divisive politics and insular governance, and toward a more open and engaged government.

“Our team isn’t just running to hold office,” said Lundgren. “We are offering a positive path forward based on community-first priorities, one that moves away from tired political rhetoric and toward a government that listens and values collaboration over ego.”

Central to that vision is restoring the Township’s financial health while supporting responsible growth. By addressing the Township’s rising debt and ensuring progress is pursued thoughtfully, Langley Strong aims to ease the debt burden every resident will have to repay through rising property taxes.

“You can’t talk about a better future while ignoring the financial hole created by the current slate-led administration,” said Lundgren. “Township debt per household has climbed to an estimated $10,754 in 2025, up from $3,348 in 2022. That is a 221% increase in just three years. Residents are rightfully concerned about a debt load that has more than tripled. A key pillar of our platform is to restore fiscal responsibility and bring business-like accountability back to the Township, so we can grow responsibly without mortgaging our children’s future.”

This commitment to financial and operational reform is what has drawn established leaders to the team.

“The decision of Jay Lundgren and four sitting councillors to unite under one banner reinforces Langley Strong as a credible, solutions-oriented force dedicated to putting the community first,” said Rebecca Darnell, president of Darnell Law Group.

“I’ve known Jay since he was in high school, and the man you see today is the same man I’ve known for decades; principled, thoughtful, and genuinely driven by service. Langley is fortunate to have him stepping up. The kind of leadership Jay brings is the kind every community deserves,” added Whistler Mayor Jack Crompton.

Individual statements from incumbent Councillors Kunst, Martens, Richter, and Whitmarsh will be released in the days ahead, with additional candidates for Council and the School Board to be announced in the coming weeks.

Residents interested in learning more about Langley Strong, volunteering, or participating in upcoming engagement sessions are encouraged to email info@langleystrong.ca or visit www.langleystrong.ca.

About Langley Strong

Langley Strong is a registered municipal electoral organization dedicated to restoring trust in the Township of Langley. By fielding a full team of candidates for Mayor, Council, and School Board, the organization aims to ensure local government operates with greater transparency, collaboration, and respect for all residents.

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Media Contact

Karen Zukas
Communications Chair, Langley Strong
Email: media@langleystrong.ca