Katsuya Okada
Possible replacements included the perceived frontrunner Katsuya Okada (known especially for his support of tougher climate policies), current deputy leaders and former leaders Naoto Kan and Yukio Hatoyama, as well as the conservative security policy expert Seiji Maehara. Okada (who was seen as a reformer) and Hatoyama (seen as likely to continue Ozawa's policies) officially announced their candidacies on 14 May 2009. According to surveys, Okada was more popular with the voters, while Hatoyama had more support from DPJ lawmakers, who were to make the decision. As predicted, Hatoyama was elected with 124 votes over Okada's 95.