Motohiko Saito, following a scandal that led to his removal from the governor's post, emerged victorious in the Hyogo gubernatorial election, securing over 1.1 million votes and defeating Kazumi Inamura, the former mayor of Amagasaki. Saito faced criticism over the handling of workplace bullying and corruption allegations, but he garnered support, especially in urban areas like Kobe, Himeji, and Nishinomiya.
During his campaign, Saito highlighted his track record over the past three years and expanded his support base through social media outreach, posting videos of his speeches and campaign activities. Despite not receiving official backing from a political party, Saito had around 500 volunteers assisting with his campaign, which significantly contributed to his successful re-election bid. The voter turnout for the election saw a notable increase to 55.65 percent, compared to 41.10 percent in the previous election.
The scandal that rocked Saito's administration originated from accusations of workplace bullying and the acceptance of gifts from businesses, leading to a no-confidence motion that forced him out of office. Despite the challenges he faced during the campaign, including scrutiny over his previous conduct, Saito maintained his position, urging voters to judge the appropriateness of the response from the prefectural assembly. While Saito's victory marks a significant political comeback, the ongoing investigation by a special committee into the scandal may continue to impact his governance as Hyogo governor.