Jeromy Farkas, a former Ward 11 councillor, has narrowly won the 2025 Calgary mayoral election, defeating Communities First leader Sonya Sharp by less than a percentage point, based on unofficial results. Sharp has expressed her intention to request a recount following the close race. The city’s data reveals that Farkas secured 91,068 votes, while Sharp garnered 90,484 votes, with less than 600 votes separating the two candidates. According to the city’s returning officer Kate Martin, a recount may be requested for specific polling stations if the results are within half a percentage point of the total ballots cast for mayor at that station.
The overall difference in votes between Farkas and Sharp represents approximately 0.17% of the total 348,626 ballots cast. Sharp emphasized the importance of ensuring the accuracy of the count due to the narrow margin of victory and expressed readiness to accept the outcome of the review, regardless of the result.
If the current numbers hold, Farkas is set to become Calgary’s 38th mayor and the first to unseat an incumbent mayor since 1980. In a statement, Farkas acknowledged the contributions of outgoing Mayor Jyoti Gondek and expressed his commitment to building on her work, emphasizing unity for the betterment of the city.
The mayoral election was marred by long lineups, leading to a decline in voter turnout compared to previous years. Final unofficial voter turnout figures are expected to be released later. Farkas, who previously ran for mayor in 2021 but lost to Gondek, returned to the race this year, positioning himself as an alternative to what he perceived as a disconnected city council. He ran as an independent candidate in the first election allowing party affiliations at the local level.
Farkas, a University of Calgary graduate and former Ward 11 councillor, transitioned into the non-profit sector after his previous mayoral bid. His focus on collaboration and bridging divides was highlighted during his campaign, contrasting with his earlier reputation for ideological rigidity. Gondek, the incumbent mayor, graciously conceded the race, expressing pride in her achievements and optimism for Calgary’s future.
As Farkas prepares to assume office, he has pledged to work with Calgarians across the political spectrum and prioritize issues such as safety and affordability. The new council lineup, which will include at least eight new councillors due to incumbents not seeking re-election, will be finalized soon. The municipal government opted for a manual count rather than electronic tabulation, following a provincial ban on electronic vote tabulators in 2024.
The post-election landscape in Calgary is poised for change, with Farkas leading the city into a new era marked by collaboration, unity, and a fresh approach to governance.