Calgary Mayoral Race Tightens as Farkas Leads Sharp in Unofficial Results

Unofficial results from Calgary’s municipal election reveal a close contest between former Ward 11 councillor Jeromy Farkas and Sonya Sharp, leader of the Communities First party. As of 1:00 a.m. on October 15, 2023, Farkas held a lead of approximately 600 votes with 330 of 380 polling stations reporting. Both candidates garnered around 27 percent of the votes, indicating a highly competitive race.

The election, marked by a crowded field, also included incumbent mayor Jyoti Gondek, former Ward 6 councillor Jeff Davison, and former police commission chair Brian Thiessen. A win for either Farkas or Sharp would represent a significant shift in Calgary’s political landscape, as it would be the first time since 1980 that a mayoral challenger successfully unseated an incumbent.

During a watch party held at Festival Hall in Inglewood, Farkas expressed gratitude to his supporters. “I just want to say thank you to everyone who believed in me, who gave your time, your voice and your trust,” he stated shortly after midnight. Farkas emphasized the importance of community and integrity in campaigning, reflecting on the positive engagement he has seen throughout the election.

In contrast, Sharp remained optimistic at her campaign headquarters on 9th Avenue S.W. when she addressed the media around midnight. “It’s still a really close call,” she remarked. “Clearly Calgarians want change, but we’re just not sure what that change looks like quite yet.” Sharp exited her gathering shortly after 12:30 a.m., underscoring her determination to remain in the race.

Gondek, who made history as Calgary’s first female mayor in 2021, was projected to finish third. In her concession speech delivered around 11:45 p.m. at a watch party at The Palomino, she thanked her team and the community for their support. “This didn’t end up the way that we had all hoped, but I’m standing here very proud of what we have built together,” Gondek said, expressing her gratitude for the opportunity to serve the city.

As the night progressed, the election results remained fluid, leaving both candidates and their supporters eagerly awaiting the final counts. With the potential for a historic outcome, the city of Calgary is poised for a pivotal moment in its governance. The final results are expected to be confirmed in the morning, setting the stage for the next chapter in Calgary’s leadership.