Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): Jeromy Farkas has been unofficially elected as the new Mayor of Calgary, securing victory in one of the closest municipal elections in the city’s history.
According to preliminary results, Farkas received 91,065 votes, narrowly defeating Sonya Sharp, who earned 90,480 votes a difference of just 585 votes. The 2025 Calgary mayoral race witnessed strong voter engagement and a competitive field, signaling a clear demand for renewed leadership at City Hall.
Farkas, a former Ward 11 councillor and 2021 mayoral runner-up, campaigned on a message of transparency, fiscal discipline, and public safety. His promise to restore accountability in local governance and make Calgary more affordable resonated with many residents facing rising living costs and housing challenges.
“This win is not mine alone, it belongs to every Calgarian who believes in honest government, safe communities, and a strong local economy,” Farkas said in his victory address Monday night. “We’re ready to move Calgary forward, together.”
Farkas’ victory marks a significant political comeback. In the 2021 mayoral election, he finished second to Jyoti Gondek, earning 46,188 votes at the time. His return in 2025 reflects a growing base of support among voters calling for change in the city’s financial and development policies.
Ward 1 Councillor Sonya Sharp ran an energetic campaign focused on strengthening small businesses, promoting responsible urban planning, and enhancing community engagement. Despite falling just short, Sharp congratulated Farkas and thanked her supporters, saying, “Calgarians have made their choice, and I’m proud of the campaign we ran with integrity and heart.”
Incumbent Mayor Jyoti Gondek finished third in the race, marking the conclusion of her four-year term as Calgary’s first female mayor. Her administration faced challenges around property taxes, transit operations, and downtown revitalization.
As mayor elect, Jeromy Farkas now faces the task of uniting council members and addressing major city issues including housing affordability, public safety, infrastructure modernization, and economic growth.
