Jeromy Farkas Edges out Sonya Sharp in Tight Calgary Mayoral Race
Calgary’s 2025 mayoral election has delivered a nail-biting finish, with former Ward 11 councillor Jeromy Farkas narrowly defeating Communities First leader Sonya Sharp by less than a percentage point.
The race remained exceptionally close overnight, but official results released by the city indicate Farkas secured 91,066 votes, compared to Sharp’s 90,480.A mere 586 votes separated the two frontrunners, setting the stage for a potential recount. Under alberta provincial election law, a recount is permissible when the difference between candidates is within 0.5% of the total ballots cast.In this instance, the margin-approximately 0.17% of the 348,626 ballots tallied-qualifies sharp to request a formal review of the results.
If the current numbers hold, Farkas will become Calgary’s 38th mayor, adn the first to unseat an incumbent as 1980.Addressing supporters at Festival Hall, home of the Calgary Folk Festival in Inglewood, shortly before midnight, Farkas expressed his gratitude. “Thank you to everyone who believed in me, who gave your time, your voice, and your trust. Thank you,” he said.
This year’s election was also marked by reports of lengthy lines at polling stations and is projected to have the lowest voter turnout in recent years, with final unofficial numbers expected Tuesday evening.
Farkas previously ran for mayor in 2021, losing to Jyoti Gondek. While he appears poised for victory this time, he garnered fewer votes than in his previous bid, receiving 116,698 votes in 2021 compared to Gondek’s 176,344. Throughout his campaign, Farkas positioned himself as a challenger to what he described as a disconnected city council that had lost its focus on key issues like jobs, housing, and public safety. He ran as an autonomous in the first municipal election to allow for party affiliations on the ballot.
Sharp, representing the Communities First party, centered her campaign on bolstering public safety and improving infrastructure, notably proposing the hiring of 500 additional police officers. she addressed her supporters late Monday evening, awaiting the final outcome.
Gondek, who like Farkas ran without party affiliation, conceded the race, becoming the first incumbent mayor as 1980 to lose reelection.She expressed pride in her accomplishments during her single term, stating, “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.”
Farkas is set to lead a council with at least eight new members, as numerous incumbents did not seek reelection. The complete composition of the new council remains uncertain, as the vote count is being conducted manually following a provincial government ban on electronic vote tabulators in 2024.
Throughout his career, Farkas has demonstrated a willingness to challenge conventional thinking. He famously vowed to eschew “ideological jackassery,” a sentiment stemming from a period of personal reflection following his 2021 defeat. He spent time hiking the 4,270-kilometer Pacific Crest Trail to raise funds for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Calgary and Area, and later served as CEO of the Glenbow Ranch Park Foundation. he described his time at the foundation as an opportunity to “build bridges” between diverse groups, including ranchers, environmentalists, and individuals across the political spectrum.
However, his evolving positions on key issues were scrutinized by opponents during the campaign. Jeff Davison,who finished fourth in the mayoral race,accused Farkas of “flip-flopping” on issues ranging from arts funding to downtown revitalization. Farkas countered that effective leadership requires adapting to changing circumstances. “Leadership means doing better when you know better,” he stated. “When the facts change,as they have in the last 10 years on various issues,I’m willing to change my mind.”
Brian Thiessen, representing The Calgary Party, finished fifth in the race and affirmed his party’s commitment to continuing its advocacy for safer communities, affordable housing, and a more responsive city hall.
Results for city council and school trustee races are expected Tuesday afternoon and later Tuesday, respectively. Citizens can follow the ongoing results in those races here.
